The Saputo era is drawing to a close after more than 30 years with CF Montreal.
Team owner Joey Saputo confirmed Monday that he plans to sell the Major League Soccer club.
"This club has been a central part of our lives," Saputo said in a statement. "We have dedicated significant time, energy, and resources to building it, and we are proud of what CF Montreal has become. I would also like to thank the fans, whose passion and loyalty have been at the heart of this club."
The announcement comes on the heels of the franchise's worst campaign to date, as Montreal finished in last place with 26 points in 34 games.
"Our clear preference is to find a buyer who shares our commitment to Montreal and who will ensure the club remains in the city," Saputo told reporters, according to The Athletic's Tom Bogert.
He added: "If the club doesn't find a local buyer and I get an offer where the club needs to be relocated, then I have no choice. That is the decision I will take."
Montreal is the second Canadian MLS franchise to be put up for sale, joining the Vancouver Whitecaps. The Whitecaps have been on sale since December 2024, but CEO and Sporting Director Axel Schuster said in September that no progress has been made on securing new ownership.
Quebec-based investors will be prioritized initially and asked to present plans that could support the club's long-term success.
"Today, there is a clearer path forward, particularly with the Olympic Stadium and in our pursuit of Canada Soccer's National Training Centre," Saputo said in the statement. "We have laid important groundwork, and it is essential that this momentum continues to secure the club's future in Montreal."
The CF Montreal management and coaching staff will remain in place during the search for a new owner, the team confirmed.
The Saputo family took sole ownership of the club, formerly known as the Montreal Impact, in 1992.
Montreal's best MLS season came in 2022, when it finished the regular season in second place in the Eastern Conference before being eliminated in the playoffs during the conference semifinals.
