Rogers Communications Inc. announced on Monday, July 6, 2026, that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire the remaining 25 percent stake in Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE) for $4.35 billion.
The buyout from Kilmer Sports Inc., a holding company owned by Larry Tanenbaum, will make MLSE a wholly-owned subsidiary of the telecom giant.
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The transaction is expected to close in the final quarter of this year, pending approvals from professional sports leagues.
This follows a $4.7-billion deal last year when Rogers purchased a 37.5 percent stake in MLSE from BCE Inc. Previously, Rogers and BCE held equal shares, while Kilmer owned the remaining quarter.
"Our full ownership of MLSE brings together Canada's premier communications company with Canada's premier sports and entertainment organization," said Tony Staffieri, Chief Executive of Rogers Communications.
Staffieri said the consolidated structure will unlock advantages across its entertainment and media segments, allowing more investment in teams and creating unique experiences for customers and fans.
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The company plans to leverage the overlap between its digital networks and the professional sports market to compete in a crowded marketplace.
Rogers CFO Glenn Brandt previously disclosed plans to integrate the Rogers Sports & Media division—including the Toronto Blue Jays and Rogers Centre—into the MLSE umbrella.
The corporation intends to sell a minority stake in these combined holdings over the next year.
Kilmer Sports retains sole ownership of the Toronto Tempo expansion team during their inaugural WNBA season and recently became the first Canadian investor in the PWHL.
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Rogers continues to expand its athletic portfolio, which includes partnerships with the NHL, NBA, MLB, Live Nation, and multiple Canadian hockey franchises, along with an $11-billion national NHL broadcasting rights agreement starting in the 2026-27 season.
