Rogers Becomes Majority Owner of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment

Rhea-AI Summary

Rogers Communications (NYSE:RCI) has completed the acquisition of BCE's 37.5% stake in Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE) for C$4.7 billion, becoming the majority owner with a 75% interest in MLSE. The transaction, funded through revolving bank credit facilities and cash on hand, closed on July 1, 2025, after receiving all regulatory and league approvals.

The deal strengthens Rogers' position in Canadian sports, complementing its existing portfolio that includes the Toronto Blue Jays, Rogers Centre, and Sportsnet. Rogers has invested over $15 billion in Canadian sports over the past decade and maintains strategic partnerships with the NHL through 2037-2038, as well as with the Vancouver Canucks, Edmonton Oilers, and Calgary Flames.

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• None.

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• Significant capital expenditure of C$4.7 billion for the stake acquisition
• Increased debt burden due to funding through revolving bank credit facilities

​Closes transaction to acquire BCE’s 37.5% ownership stake in MLSE​
Strengthens commitment to Canadian sports ​
Will invest to bring championships to Canada​

TORONTO, July 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rogers Communications Inc. (TSX: RCI.A and RCI.B) (NYSE: RCI) today announced it has closed its transaction to acquire BCE’s 37.5% ownership stake in Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE) for C$4.7 billion. Rogers is now the largest owner with a 75% interest in MLSE. ​
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“MLSE is one of the most prestigious sports and entertainment organizations in the world and we’re proud to be the majority owner of these iconic sports teams,” said Tony Staffieri, President and CEO, Rogers. “Live sports are a core part of our business and core to the fans who live and breathe every moment.”​

Rogers has invested over $15 billion in Canadian sports over the past decade and will continue to invest to bring championships to Canada. ​

“We’re passionate about winning and we’re committed to bringing more championships to fans in Canada,” said Edward Rogers, Executive Chair, Rogers.​

The acquisition expands Rogers leadership in Canadian sports, adding to its portfolio that includes the Toronto Blue Jays, Rogers Centre and Sportsnet – the number one sports network in Canada. Rogers also has long-term strategic partnerships with the NHL including a new 12-year agreement for the national media rights through 2037-2038, and with the Vancouver Canucks, Edmonton Oilers and Calgary Flames.​
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The transaction closed effective July 1 after receiving all necessary regulatory and league approvals.​ The purchase price was primarily funded from revolving bank credit facilities together with cash on hand.

“MLSE is a valuable and appreciating asset and this investment positions us to unlock more value for Rogers shareholders,” added Staffieri. “We’re building something that lasts – on the ice, on the court, on the field, and across the country.” ​

About Rogers Communications Inc.
Rogers is Canada’s leading communications and entertainment company and its shares are publicly traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: RCI.A and RCI.B) and on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: RCI). For more information, please visit rogers.com or investors.rogers.com.

For further information:
Media Relations
media@rci.rogers.com
1-844-226-1338

Investor Relations
investor.relations@rci.rogers.com
1-844-801-4792

FAQ

How much did Rogers Communications (NYSE:RCI) pay for BCE's stake in MLSE?

Rogers paid C$4.7 billion to acquire BCE's 37.5% ownership stake in Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE).

What is Rogers Communications' total ownership stake in MLSE after the acquisition?

Following the acquisition, Rogers became the largest owner with a 75% interest in MLSE.

How did Rogers Communications fund the MLSE stake purchase?

The purchase was primarily funded through revolving bank credit facilities together with cash on hand.

What other sports assets does Rogers Communications own?

Rogers owns the Toronto Blue Jays, Rogers Centre, and Sportsnet (Canada's number one sports network), along with strategic partnerships with the NHL and several hockey teams.

How much has Rogers invested in Canadian sports over the past decade?

Rogers has invested over $15 billion in Canadian sports over the past decade.