• Loading stock data...
Tuesday, October 7, 2025

Rogers Takes Control of Canada’s Top Teams in MLSE Buyout

After more than nine months, Rogers Communications has completed a deal to gain a controlling position in Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment. This, however, could be just the start of more big moves to come. 

John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

Arguably the most powerful sports ownership entity in the world has now officially been formed. 

Canadian media giant Rogers Communications closed on Wednesday a $3.46 billion deal to acquire 37.5% of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment from Bell, another Canadian telecom power. The pact, in development since last September, brings the Rogers stake in MLSE to a controlling 75% and values the entire portfolio at $9.2 billion.

The agreement gives Rogers a dominant presence across Canadian pro sports, with its sports holdings now including MLB’s Blue Jays, the NHL’s Maple Leafs, the NBA’s Raptors, Toronto FC of MLS, the Canadian sports network Sportsnet, and Rogers Centre and Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, among numerous other assets. Rogers also just signed a 12-year, CDN $11 billion media rights extension with the NHL stretching to 2038. 

“This investment positions us to unlock more value for Rogers shareholders,” said Rogers president and CEO Tony Staffieri of the MLSE deal closing. “We’re building something that lasts—on the ice, on the court, on the field, and across the country.”

To that end, supplemental moves are expected to reposition the various sports holdings, including potential spinoffs or equity stake sales. That’s due in part to the values of the Rogers-controlled pro teams now combining for far more than $9.2 billion, particularly in light of recent record-setting transactions for the NBA’s Lakers and Celtics.

“The multibillion-dollar value of our world-class sports assets is not reflected in our share price, and our priority is to change this,” Staffieri said during a first-quarter earnings call. “Our sports assets are unrivaled in Canada, and our sports portfolio is one of the best in the world. Sports assets continue to appreciate significantly in value, and that’s why investors remain very interested in holding a minority position in these appreciating assets.”

Even before the deal closed, Rogers’ influence and power were felt when MLSE parted ways last week with longtime Raptors vice chairman and president Masai Ujiri, who led the team to its first NBA title six years ago. Multiple reports have pointed to a long-standing divide between Ujiri and senior Rogers leaders. The Raptors’ situation, meanwhile, also parallels one with the Maple Leafs in which MLSE also recently cut ties with longtime team president and alternate governor Brendan Shanahan.

The other 25% of MLSE will be controlled by Kilmer Sports, the sports business arm of Larry Tanenbaum’s Kilmer Group. Rogers, however, has an option next year to acquire that stake, and Staffieri has said Rogers expects to exercise it. 

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Low-Budget Teams Crash MLB Playoffs As Mets and Astros Stumble

The low-budget Reds and Guardians claim playoff spots.

Masai Ujiri Out As Raptors’ Rogers Era Marked by Leadership Shift

Ujiri led the Raptors to the 2019 NBA championship.

Bold Trades Shake Up NBA Draft After Predictable Start

A flurry of trades and falling draft positions lead the post-Flagg activity.

Featured Today

Paul Cartier

Sports Organists Are Still Thriving in the Era of Raucous Arena Music

“When they walk out and they see a real organ guy, it’s like, ‘Wow.’”
Sep 27, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers center fielder Jackson Chourio (11) rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the sixth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at American Family Field.
October 4, 2025

Milwaukee Moneyball: Brewers Are Beating MLB’s Deeper Pockets

Milwaukee is holding its own against big-budget competitors.
Kōloa Rum Company Rum Rusher
September 27, 2025

Panthers Bubbly, Jets Wine, Manning Whiskey: The Sports Booze Boom

A sommelier dives into the sports booze trend—and tries Jets wine.
Nov 17, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers fans wave Terrible Towels against the Baltimore Ravens during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium
September 26, 2025

Steelers’ Irish Roots Are Deeper Than NFL Dublin Game

The Steelers have history and the foundation for a future in Ireland.

Connor McDavid Signs Short-Term Deal, Eyeing Oilers’ Cup Window

The three-time Most Valuable Player signs for below his market value.
September 30, 2025

Tyreek Hill’s Injury Complicates Financial Future With Dolphins

Releasing the receiver after this season would cost $28 million.
October 1, 2025

Cardinals Vow Changes Coming After Historic Attendance Drop

A stalwart franchise looks to correct an alarming slide in attendance.
Sponsored

How Jenny Just Is Shaping the Future of Sports Ownership

Jenny Just on bringing her investment experience to sports ownership.
Jun 12, 2025; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso (20) and relief pitcher Edwin Diaz (39) celebrate after defeating the Washington Nationals at Citi Field.
September 29, 2025

Two of the Mets’ Biggest Stars Could Dictate Important Offseason

The Mets missed the playoffs despite having one of baseball’s highest payrolls.
September 29, 2025

Mariners to End 37-Year RSN Run, Join MLB’s In-House Media Model

The Mariners-owned regional sports network is shutting down operations.
September 25, 2025

Celtics Owner Bill Chisholm: Boston Should Have a WNBA Team

Chisholm spoke to reporters Thursday for the first time as Celtics owner.
Aug 30, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; New York Liberty head coach Sandy Brondello calls out a play in the second half to her team against the Phoenix Mercury at Footprint Center.
September 25, 2025

Liberty GM Defends Controversial Brondello Firing

Kolb said he has confidence that the team’s stars will return.