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2w ago

Rogers Completes CA$4.7 Billion MLSE Purchase and Plots Monetization of $12 Billion Sports Empire

Rogers plans to court minority investors to capitalize on surging franchise valuations via a potential spinoff or IPO.

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Scotiabank Arena before a Toronto Maple Leafs game in May. Rogers has closed a deal to become the majority owner of the parent company of sports teams including the Maple Leafs, Toronto Raptors and Toronto Argonauts.
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Overview

  • Rogers closed its CA$4.7 billion acquisition of BCE’s 37.5 percent MLSE stake, raising its ownership of the parent company of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Raptors and Toronto FC to 75 percent.
  • Including 100 percent ownership of the Blue Jays and Sportsnet, Rogers now controls teams in four major North American leagues and Canada’s top sports broadcaster with assets valued at over $12 billion.
  • Chief executive Tony Staffieri said the company is exploring minority sales and private-equity infusions to unlock liquidity from its expanded sports portfolio.
  • Rogers retains the option to acquire the remaining 25 percent of MLSE from Larry Tanenbaum’s Kilmer Sports in 2026, setting a clear path to full ownership.
  • With public markets often undervaluing franchises, Rogers is expected to pursue a standalone spinoff or IPO to capture the true market value of its consolidated sports assets.