Netflix’s latest sports documentary, Who Killed the Montreal Expos?, examines the dramatic decline and eventual relocation of one of baseball’s most beloved teams. Through rare interviews, archival footage, and expert analysis, the film explores how financial woes, political failures, and controversial ownership decisions led to the end of Canada’s first Major League Baseball franchise.
Netflix Revisits the Tragic Story of the Montreal Expos
In 2025, Netflix released Who Killed the Montreal Expos?, a gripping documentary that delves deep into the untold story behind the fall of the Montreal Expos — the first MLB franchise outside the United States. Directed by Jean-François Poisson, the film explores how one of the most promising teams in the league became a symbol of heartbreak for Canadian baseball fans.
The documentary takes audiences back to the Expos’ heyday, celebrating their golden years before unpacking the mix of economic, political, and personal forces that led to their demise.
The Montreal Expos: A Symbol of Canadian Baseball Pride
Founded in 1969, the Montreal Expos were a beacon of hope for Canadian sports enthusiasts. As the country’s first MLB franchise, they brought the American pastime north of the border, representing a vibrant bilingual fan base. For decades, they played at Olympic Stadium, attracting legends like Pedro Martínez, Larry Walker, and Vladimir Guerrero.
The Expos were more than just a baseball team — they were a cultural bridge connecting English and French Canada, celebrated for their diverse roster and loyal fan following.
But by 2004, it all came crashing down. The team was relocated to Washington, D.C., rebranded as the Washington Nationals, leaving behind an entire generation of heartbroken Montreal fans.
What Who Killed the Montreal Expos? Reveals
The Netflix documentary isn’t just a nostalgic trip — it’s an investigation. Using a “whodunit” format, Who Killed the Montreal Expos? traces the chain of decisions, betrayals, and missed opportunities that doomed the team.
Through exclusive interviews with former players, executives, journalists, and devoted fans, the film raises a haunting question: Who was responsible for the death of the Expos?
The documentary identifies five main suspects:
- Economic instability caused by the weak Canadian dollar.
- Ownership controversies, especially during the Jeffrey Loria era.
- Stadium issues at the outdated Olympic Stadium.
- MLB’s internal politics and lack of support for smaller markets.
- The 1994 players’ strike, which ended a promising championship season.
The 1994 Season That Changed Everything
One of the film’s most emotional chapters centers around the 1994 MLB season. That year, the Expos had the best record in baseball and were poised to win their first World Series.
However, the players’ strike abruptly ended the season — and with it, Montreal’s dream. When the league resumed in 1995, financial strain and declining attendance crippled the team. Fans never returned in full force, marking the beginning of the end.
Ownership Drama: Jeffrey Loria and the Fallout
Another focal point of the documentary is Jeffrey Loria, who purchased the Expos in 1999. Many fans blame his tenure for accelerating the team’s collapse.
Under Loria’s leadership, relations with the city soured, broadcasting deals crumbled, and attempts to build a new stadium fell apart. When Loria eventually sold the Expos and acquired the Florida Marlins, Montreal fans saw it as the ultimate betrayal.
The documentary doesn’t shy away from showing how decisions made in boardrooms, far from the field, sealed the team’s fate.
Stadium Troubles and Government Inaction
Olympic Stadium, once a modern marvel, quickly became a symbol of Montreal’s sports decline. Crumbling infrastructure, poor weather conditions, and low attendance plagued the venue for years.
Despite repeated proposals for a new stadium downtown, government hesitation and lack of funding left the Expos stuck in an outdated facility. Netflix’s documentary presents this as a crucial piece of the puzzle — proof that without political will, even beloved teams can wither.
Montreal’s Broken Heart and Lasting Legacy
Beyond the numbers and scandals, Who Killed the Montreal Expos? captures the emotional toll of losing a team. Fans interviewed in the film recall decades of loyalty — generations that passed down their love for “Nos Amours,” as the team was affectionately known.
The film uses poignant archival footage to show the final home game in 2004, where thousands of fans said goodbye through tears and applause. For many, the Expos’ departure represented more than a sports loss — it symbolized Montreal’s fading place in North American professional baseball.
Why This Story Still Matters
The story of the Expos’ demise isn’t just about one team — it’s a cautionary tale about how sports, business, and politics intertwine. The documentary reminds viewers that teams represent more than their players; they are woven into the cultural fabric of a city.
Two decades later, discussions about reviving MLB in Montreal continue to resurface. Whether through expansion or relocation, many hope Who Killed the Montreal Expos? reignites interest in bringing baseball back to the city that once loved it most.
Critical Reception and Audience Reactions
Since its release, the documentary has earned widespread acclaim for its emotional storytelling and investigative depth. Critics have praised its balance of nostalgia and analysis, with many comparing it to Netflix’s acclaimed sports documentaries like The Last Dance and Untold.
Fans on social media have flooded forums with emotional tributes, vintage photos, and renewed calls to restore the Expos. For long-time supporters, the film serves as both closure and a reminder of what was lost.
Could Montreal Ever Get a Baseball Team Again?
While nothing official has been announced, whispers of a Montreal MLB revival have persisted for years. Business groups have explored building a new stadium and pitching the city as a viable expansion market.
Netflix’s documentary could help strengthen that movement by showcasing the passion still alive in Montreal’s baseball community. If MLB sees that spark reignited, the Expos’ story might yet have a second chapter.
Conclusion
Who Killed the Montreal Expos? is not just a documentary — it’s a eulogy, an investigation, and a love letter. It captures the heartbreak, nostalgia, and unanswered questions surrounding one of baseball’s most tragic endings.
By the end, one thing becomes clear: no single person killed the Montreal Expos. It was a mix of poor leadership, economic hardship, and systemic neglect. But through this film, their memory — and the hope for their return — lives on.
Alos Read : Zootopia 2 Merchandise: Cutest Disney Toys, Apparel, and Collectibles Fans Can’t Miss in 2025
FAQs
1. What is Netflix’s Who Killed the Montreal Expos? about?
It’s a 2025 documentary that investigates how the Montreal Expos, MLB’s first Canadian team, collapsed due to financial, political, and organizational failures.
2. When did the Montreal Expos relocate?
The Expos relocated to Washington, D.C., in 2004 and became the Washington Nationals.
3. Who directed the documentary?
The film was directed by Jean-François Poisson, known for exploring themes of sports and national identity.
4. Who are some key figures featured in the film?
The documentary includes interviews with Pedro Martínez, Larry Walker, Vladimir Guerrero, Claude Brochu, and Jeffrey Loria, among others.
5. Where can I watch the documentary?
Who Killed the Montreal Expos? is streaming exclusively on Netflix.
6. Will MLB ever return to Montreal?
While no official plans exist, the success of this documentary could renew discussions about bringing Major League Baseball back to the city.
Join our WhatsApp channel for more updates and information about celebrities and entertainment
Discover more from Cine Storytellers
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.