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Raptors Parent Company Plans $18.25 Billion Sports Entity After MLSE Buyout
April 23, 2026
Posted 4 hours ago by
Rogers Communications, majority owner of the Toronto Raptors through its 75 stake in Maple Leaf Sports Entertainment, announced plans Wednesday to complete its full acquisition of MLSE and consolidate its sports holdings into a single entity valued at more than 18.25 billion. CEO Tony Staffieri confirmed on the company's first-quarter earnings call that Rogers expects to purchase the remaining 25 MLSE minority interest, held by Larry Tanenbaum's Kilmer Sports Ventures, in the second half of 2025.

Following the close, we plan to combine our assets into one of the most significant sports ownership, media and entertainment entities globally, Staffieri said. Rogers acquired BCE's 37.5 MLSE stake in 2025, bringing its ownership to 75. MLSE controls the NBA's Raptors, NHL's Maple Leafs, and MLS's Toronto FC. Rogers separately owns MLB's Blue Jays. The company intends to bring in minority investors for the consolidated sports group, using proceeds to reduce debt. CFO Glenn Brandt said the recapitalization process is expected to conclude in late 2026 or early 2027. Current Sportico valuations place the Raptors at 4.66 billion, the Maple Leafs at 4.25 billion, the Blue Jays at 2.9 billion, and Toronto FC at 730 million, a combined 12.5 billion. The broader entity would also incorporate Rogers' Sportsnet media assets. Rogers stock surged nearly 14 Wednesday, closing at 37.48, following guidance of reduced capital spending and stronger free cash flow. First-quarter revenue and earnings largely met analyst expectations.
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