Rogers (NYSE: RCI) to own 100% of MLSE in C$4.35B deal
Rhea-AI Filing Summary
Rogers Communications Inc. has signed an agreement to buy the remaining 25% ownership stake in Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE) from Kilmer Sports Inc. for C$4.35 billion, which will increase Rogers’ ownership in MLSE to 100%.
Rogers plans to combine full ownership of MLSE with its existing assets, including the Toronto Blue Jays, Rogers Centre and Sportsnet, to create more integrated sports and entertainment offerings for fans and customers. The company highlights opportunities to invest in championship-calibre teams, enhance fan experiences, and create unique rewards and ticket access for Rogers customers.
Rogers intends to finance the purchase with its committed liquidity and has previously disclosed plans to sell a minority stake in its consolidated sports, media and entertainment assets over the next year. The deal is subject to league approvals, and Rogers expects the transaction to close in Q4 2026.
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Insights
Rogers is consolidating MLSE ownership with a C$4.35B deal to deepen its sports and media integration.
Rogers is buying the remaining 25% of MLSE for C$4.35 billion, moving from a majority to full owner. Management positions sports and entertainment as core to the business, aiming to link teams, venues and media with its connectivity offerings.
The financing will come from existing committed liquidity, while Rogers has previously indicated plans to sell a minority stake in its consolidated sports, media and entertainment assets. This suggests a partial recycling of capital within the broader sports and media platform rather than a pure cash outlay without offset.
The deal still requires league approvals and is expected to close in Q4 2026. Execution risk relates to securing those approvals and realizing the anticipated benefits around fan engagement, bundled offers and long-term shareholder value, which the company frames but does not quantify in this disclosure.
Key Figures
Key Terms
committed liquidity financial
forward-looking information regulatory
minority stake financial
league approvals regulatory
Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment financial
FAQ
What transaction did Rogers Communications (RCI) announce regarding Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment?
How much is Rogers Communications paying for the remaining 25% of MLSE?
How does Rogers plan to finance the MLSE stake purchase?
When is the Rogers–MLSE transaction expected to close?
What strategic benefits does Rogers see from owning 100% of MLSE?
Is the Rogers–MLSE deal subject to any approvals or conditions?
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 6-K
Report of Foreign Private Issuer
Pursuant to Rule 13a-16 or 15d-16
under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the month of July, 2026
Commission File Number 001-10805
ROGERS COMMUNICATIONS INC.
(Translation of registrant’s name into English)
333 Bloor Street East
10th Floor
Toronto, Ontario M4W 1G9
Canada
(Address of principal executive office)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F.
Form 20-F ☐ Form 40-F ☒
Signatures
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
| ROGERS COMMUNICATIONS INC.
| ||||
| By: | /s/ Marisa Wyse | |||
| Name: | Marisa Wyse | |||
| Title: | Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary | |||
Date: July 6, 2026
Exhibit Index
| Exhibit Number | Description of Document | |
| 99.1 | News Release dated July 6, 2026 – Rogers to Become 100% Owner of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment | |
Exhibit 99.1
Rogers to Become 100% Owner of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment
Signs agreement to buy Kilmer Sports 25% ownership stake in MLSE
New global sports and entertainment powerhouse will deliver more for fans and customers
TORONTO, JULY 6, 2026 – Rogers Communications Inc. announced today it has signed an agreement to buy the remaining 25% ownership stake in Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE) from Kilmer Sports Inc. for C$4.35 billion, increasing Rogers ownership in MLSE to 100%.
“This is a defining moment for Rogers. Our full ownership of MLSE brings together Canada’s premier communications company with Canada’s premier sports and entertainment organization,” said Tony Staffieri, President and Chief Executive Officer, Rogers. “It gives us even more opportunity to invest in championship-calibre teams, create unique experiences for customers and fans, and unlock long-term value for shareholders.”
Investing to bring championships to Canada
Rogers has a long track record of investing in Canadian sports. With this transaction, Rogers will continue to invest to bring championships to Canada, to continuously improve the fan experience, and to deliver the best sports content to all Canadians.
Beyond MLSE, the Rogers sports portfolio includes ownership of the Toronto Blue Jays, Rogers Centre and Sportsnet, the number one sports media brand in Canada. The company also has strategic partnerships with the Vancouver Canucks, Edmonton Oilers, Calgary Flames, the NHL, the NBA, MLB and Live Nation.
“Sports is a great unifier, it rallies us and brings us together in a truly unique way,” said Edward Rogers, Executive Chair, Rogers. “Winning is everything for fans and we’re committed to investing to bring championships to Canada as a proud owner and long-term steward of these beloved teams.”
“We want to recognize Larry Tanenbaum for his contributions to MLSE and to sports in Toronto,” added Rogers. “For decades, Larry has helped shape MLSE and we thank him for his partnership and his lasting impact.”
Delivering more value to fans and customers
Rogers will bring together its full sports and entertainment portfolio to deliver unique and compelling offers and experiences to fans and to Rogers customers. This will include investments to expand affordable options and access to tickets, ticket-giveaways, and unique once-in-a-lifetime experiences like attending the World Series or the Stanley Cup Finals.
“We will create more opportunities for fans to connect with the teams they love, and we will invest to deliver unique and compelling rewards for our customers,” added Staffieri.
Investing to grow shareholder value
MLSE continues to be a highly valuable and appreciating investment. Full ownership of these iconic teams will strengthen Rogers ability to drive long-term growth across its communications, sports and entertainment businesses.
“Sports and entertainment are a core part of our business, and we plan to bring our world-class sports and entertainment assets together and surface more value for our shareholders long-term,” added Staffieri. “The strategic value of our sports business is even greater when you combine it with our core connectivity business – it gives us a unique value proposition to compete in a very crowded marketplace.”
Rogers intends to finance this transaction with its committed liquidity. As previously disclosed, Rogers intends to sell a minority stake in the consolidated Rogers sports, media and entertainment assets over the course of the next year.
The transaction is subject to league approvals. Rogers expects the transaction to close in Q4 2026.
About Forward-Looking Information
This news release includes “forward-looking information” and “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable securities laws (collectively, “forward-looking information”) about, among other things, the transaction and related financing, including our receipt of any required league approvals, the anticipated benefits of the transaction and our sale of a minority stake in our sports, media and entertainment assets.
This forward-looking information is based on a number of expectations and assumptions as of the date of this news release. Actual events and results may differ materially from what is expressed or implied by forward-looking information if the underlying expectations and assumptions prove incorrect or our objectives, strategies or intentions change or as a result of risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are beyond our control, including, the following: the transaction or the minority stake sale may not be completed on the anticipated terms or timeline or at all; we may instead fund all or a portion of the transaction through alternate sources, due to league requirements, general economic and market conditions, or other internal and external considerations; the anticipated benefits of the transaction may not be realized; the transaction is subject to closing conditions and termination rights; and the other risks outlined in our 2025 MD&A. We are under no obligation to update or alter any statements containing forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.
About Rogers Communications Inc.
Rogers is Canada’s communications, sports 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 about.rogers.com/investor-relations.
For further information:
Media Relations
media@rci.rogers.com
1-844-226-1338
Investor Relations
investor.relations@rci.rogers.com
1-844-801-4792