Rogers Communications Completes $4.35 Billion MLSE Acquisition

Rogers Communications Inc. completed a $4.35-billion acquisition of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE) through a deal with Kilmer Sports Inc. This transaction follows a 2025 buyout of BCE Inc.'s stake in the conglomerate.

To integrate these assets, the company is establishing a new business unit called Rogers Sports. This unit will consolidate its sports, media, and entertainment businesses, including MLSE and the Toronto Blue Jays. Rogers plans to finance the purchase through committed liquidity and intends to sell a minority stake in the combined sports assets, which it values at $25-billion, within the next year.

Leadership changes accompany the merger. Keith Pelley, the chief executive of MLSE, will now lead Rogers' media operations and Sportsnet while remaining president and CEO of MLSE. Mark Shapiro continues as the president and CEO of the Toronto Blue Jays.