Contract Dispute Emerges as Tristan Blackmon Misses Preseason Camp

Tristan Blackmon, the Vancouver Whitecaps defender and reigning MLS Defender of the Year, did not attend the club’s first day of preseason camp, as confirmed by sources to ESPN.

A spokesperson for the Whitecaps stated that players were expected to arrive in Vancouver by the end of Tuesday, with entrance medical exams scheduled for Wednesday. However, multiple sources verified that Blackmon was absent for his physical examination.

The Athletic was the first to report on Blackmon’s absence.

The situation revolves around a contract dispute involving both Vancouver and Inter Miami CF, which has proposed an intra-MLS cash transfer of $3 million to acquire the defender. Following the emergence of this offer, initially reported by the Miami Herald, Whitecaps sporting director Axel Schuster firmly denied any intention to part ways with Blackmon, emphasizing the club’s desire to retain him.

The Las Vegas native was a crucial component of the Vancouver backline last season, aiding the Whitecaps in reaching the finals of both the Concacaf Champions League and the MLS Cup.

However, sources indicate that discussions regarding a new contract between Blackmon and the Whitecaps have stalled. According to figures from the MLS Players Association, Blackmon earned $800,000 in guaranteed compensation last season, placing him 37th among MLS center-backs.

Since his acquisition by the Whitecaps in 2022, following a four-season tenure with LAFC, Blackmon’s career has flourished. In addition to being named Defender of the Year in 2025, he was selected as an MLS All-Star and earned his first two caps with the United States national team last September.