Rogers Completes Full Ownership of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment in $3.1 Billion Deal, Keith Pelley Set to Lead Rogers Media

Rogers Communications, a leading cable TV and telecom provider, has acquired the remaining 25% stake in Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE), solidifying its full ownership of the company that owns the Toronto Maple Leafs and Toronto Raptors.

This move follows Rogers’ purchase of a 37.5% stake in MLSE for CAN$4.7 billion earlier in 2024. By paying CAN$4.35 billion (approximately US$3.1 billion) to Kilmer Sports for the minority stake, Rogers now holds 100% ownership. MLSE encompasses Toronto’s MLS and CFL franchises, Scotiabank Arena, and a partnership with Live Nation for concert venues.

To integrate these assets, Rogers will establish a new business unit called Rogers Sports, merging MLSE with the Toronto Blue Jays. Keith Pelley, who continues as president and CEO of MLSE, will return to his previous role as president of Rogers Media after an interim period. Pelley previously led Rogers Media until 2015 before becoming commissioner and CEO of the PGA European Tour.

Pelley’s return comes after he departed from the European Tour Group in early 2024, following the formation of a joint entity between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf backers. He then returned to Canada to lead MLSE. In his prior five-year tenure at Rogers Media, he managed a diverse portfolio including broadcast TV and radio stations, magazines, cable channels such as FX Canada, Sportsnet, the Shopping Channel, and the Toronto Blue Jays.

Notably, Pelley negotiated a landmark $5.2 billion, 12-year TV rights deal with the NHL, which Rogers has since renewed. As he prepares to succeed retiring Colette Watson as head of Rogers Media, he will oversee an extensive portfolio including Sportsnet, 30 additional TV networks, and over 40 radio stations.

This portfolio also features Canadian adaptations of popular U.S. lifestyle channels such as Bravo, Food Network, HGTV, and Discovery, which Rogers acquired through content licensing agreements with NBCUniversal and Warner Bros. Discovery.

“We are thrilled to unite these iconic teams with the broader Rogers family, enhancing value for fans, audiences, and customers. Understanding the deep connection fans have with these teams, we are dedicated to investing in championship-level teams, improving the fan experience, and delivering exceptional experiences,” stated Tony Staffieri, president and CEO of Rogers Communications.

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