MLS expansion franchise Vancouver Whitecaps are the leaders in the game for total sponsorship value without even taking the field.

MLS Commissioner Don Garber has revealed that the Whitecaps have already teed up more sponsors dollars than clubs like LA Galaxy and New York Red Bulls ahead of their debut season in the North American top flight.

"They are the leading sponsorship team in all of Major League Soccer," Garber told a Vancouver Board of Trade meeting.

"Even with Los Angeles and its stadium and David Beckham, the largest sponsorship base is here in Vancouver."

He also pointed out that the Whitecaps' shirt sponsorship deal with Bell is one of the best in the region.

"It is one of the larger non-media, stand-alone sports sponsorships in sports in America and Canada," he said.

"It's a sports sponsorship that any pro league would be proud of, whether it's here or in European football."