Rogers comments on CRTC’s NBA TV Canada approval

Rhea-AI Summary

Rogers Communications (RCI) has received CRTC approval to acquire Bell's interest in NBA TV Canada, marking the final regulatory clearance needed for Rogers' broader acquisition of Bell's stake in MLSE. The C$4.7 billion deal, announced in September 2024, will make Rogers a 75% owner of MLSE. The company has already secured approvals from major sports leagues including NHL, NBA, CFL, MLS, and AHL, as well as the Competition Bureau. CEO Tony Staffieri emphasized that live sports and entertainment are central to Rogers' business strategy, with the deal expected to close in early July.

Positive

• Rogers will become 75% majority owner of prestigious MLSE sports organization
• C$4.7 billion strategic acquisition strengthens Rogers' position in sports media and entertainment
• All necessary regulatory and league approvals have been secured
• Deal expected to close quickly in early July 2025

Negative

• Significant capital expenditure of C$4.7 billion required for the acquisition

TORONTO, June 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rogers Communications (TSX: RCI.A and RCI.B) (NYSE: RCI) issued the following statement upon receiving approval from the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) to acquire Bell’s interest in Toronto Raptors Network Ltd (NBA TV Canada):

“We’re pleased to receive all the necessary approvals to expand our ownership of MLSE. We look forward to closing this strategic deal in early July,” said Tony Staffieri, President and CEO, Rogers. “MLSE is one of the most prestigious sports and entertainment organizations in the world, and live sports and entertainment are core to our business strategy.”

Rogers previously received approvals from the National Hockey League (NHL), National Basketball Association (NBA), Canadian Football League (CFL), Major League Soccer (MLS), and the American Hockey League (AHL) to become 75% owners of MLSE. Rogers also received clearance from the Competition Bureau to proceed with the acquisition. 

In September 2024, Rogers announced a deal to acquire Bell’s stake in MLSE for C$4.7 billion to become majority owner of MLSE. 

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

What is the value of Rogers' acquisition of Bell's stake in MLSE?

Rogers is acquiring Bell's stake in MLSE for C$4.7 billion

What percentage of MLSE will Rogers own after the acquisition?

Rogers will become a 75% owner of MLSE after the acquisition

When is Rogers expected to close the MLSE acquisition deal?

The deal is expected to close in early July 2025

Which regulatory approvals has Rogers received for the MLSE acquisition?

Rogers has received approvals from the CRTC, Competition Bureau, NHL, NBA, CFL, MLS, and AHL

Who is the CEO of Rogers Communications leading this acquisition?

Tony Staffieri is the President and CEO of Rogers Communications