Rogers Gains League Approvals for Full Stake in MLSE
Deal News | Jun 04, 2025 | Globenewswire
Rogers Communications has received the necessary approvals from major sports leagues, including the NHL, NBA, CFL, MLS, and AHL, to proceed with the acquisition of Bell's 37.5% stake in Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE). This transaction, amounting to C$4.7 billion, will increase Rogers' ownership of MLSE to 75%, transforming the company into the majority owner of one of the world's most prestigious sports and entertainment organizations. The finalization of the deal is contingent upon approval from the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) relating to a minor indirect interest in Toronto Raptors Network Ltd. Previously, the acquisition was cleared by the Competition Bureau. The move aligns with Rogers' strategic focus on enhancing its core business in live sports and entertainment. The company is publicly listed on the TSX and NYSE.
Sectors
- Sports and Entertainment
- Communications
- Media
Geography
- Canada – Rogers Communications is based in Toronto, Canada, and the acquisition concerns Canadian entities involved in Canada's major sports leagues.
Industry
- Sports and Entertainment – The acquisition involves Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, a major entity in the sports and entertainment sector.
- Communications – Rogers Communications is a leading entity in the communications industry, focusing on expanding its entertainment segment.
- Media – The transaction concerns Toronto Raptors Network Ltd, part of the media landscape under MLSE.
Financials
- C$4.7 billion – The purchase price of Bell's 37.5% stake in MLSE by Rogers.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rogers Communications Inc. | Bidding Company | Company | Leading Canadian communications and entertainment company, aiming to acquire Bell's stake in MLSE. |
| Bell | Selling Company | Company | Previously held a 37.5% stake in MLSE, now selling this stake to Rogers. |
| Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE) | Target Company | Company | Major sports and entertainment company, owner of Toronto Maple Leafs, Toronto Raptors, and other entities. |
| Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) | Regulatory Authority | Government | Regulatory body whose approval is needed for the acquisition to proceed, particularly for the Toronto Raptors Network Ltd. |
| National Hockey League (NHL) | Regulatory Approval | Other | One of the leagues providing approval for the transaction involving MLSE. |
| National Basketball Association (NBA) | Regulatory Approval | Other | One of the leagues providing approval for the transaction involving MLSE. |
| Canadian Football League (CFL) | Regulatory Approval | Other | One of the leagues providing approval for the transaction involving MLSE. |
| Major League Soccer (MLS) | Regulatory Approval | Other | One of the leagues providing approval for the transaction involving MLSE. |
| American Hockey League (AHL) | Regulatory Approval | Other | One of the leagues providing approval for the transaction involving MLSE. |