Rogers completes purchase of Kilmer's MLSE stake
Rogers full ownership of MLSE marks a $4.35B sports empire expansion See how the deal unites the Leafs, Raptors, Blue Jays and Sportsnet
Rogers Communications has completed its purchase of the remaining 25% stake in Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment from Larry Tanenbaum's Kilmer Sports Inc., giving the telecom company full ownership of the Toronto sports group.
The $4.35 billion deal makes Rogers the sole owner of MLSE, whose holdings include the Maple Leafs, Raptors, Toronto FC and Argonauts, as well as Scotiabank Arena and related development operations.
Rogers said it plans to create a new unit called Rogers Sports, combining MLSE with its other sports and media assets, including the Blue Jays, Sportsnet and other television and radio properties. The company said the move is meant to strengthen its sports business, while keeping current leaders in place at MLSE and the Blue Jays.