Can you believe Rogers now fully owns the Raptors’ parent company? The Canadian telecom giant, which once held 75% of Maple Leafs Sport & Entertainment, has seized 100% control, according to a press release.
Rogers lifted its stake in Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment from 37.5% to 75% in September 2024 after buying Bell’s share, and the deal granted it the option to acquire the final 25% owned by Larry Tanenbaum’s Kilmer Sports Inc.
Earlier reports said Tanenbaum had to start the sale by July 7, 2026, yet Rogers announced on July 6 that it had sealed a deal for the remaining quarter. The agreement still needs league approvals and was slated to close before the end of 2026.
The purchase cost $4.35 billion Canadian, roughly $3.06 billion USD, for the last 25% slice of the company.
Among MLSE’s holdings, the Raptors top the valuation chart at $5.22 billion, according to Sportico. The portfolio also includes the NHL’s Toronto Maple Leafs, MLS’s Toronto FC, the CFL’s Argonauts and G League’s Raptors 905, plus the Scotiabank Centre and OVO Athletic Centre. For my money, the Raptors are the crown jewel of MLSE.
We’re proud to bring these beloved teams together with the rest of Rogers to deliver more for fans, audiences, and customers, said Tony Staffieri, president and CEO of Rogers. We know how much these teams mean to fans and we are fully committed to investing in championship‑calibre squads, enhancing the fan experience, and delivering compelling moments for our customers.
Tanenbaum, long‑time Raptors governor and MLSE chairman, was set to vacate those roles. He was expected to step down as the Raptors’ governor and NBA board chair at September’s end, and to leave MLSE once the sale finalized.
During a late‑July earnings call, CFO Glenn Brandt said Rogers intends to offload a minority MLSE stake in the first half of 2027 after taking full control. Thursday’s announcement offered no fresh details. Will the company follow through with that plan next year?