Major stake in Toronto Maple Leafs sold in $4.7 billion record-breaking transaction

Rogers Communications has secured a majority stake in Maple Leafs Sports and Entertainment (MLSE), expanding its influence in the Canadian sports landscape.

Rogers has officially acquired a 37.5% stake in MLSE from Bell Canada, now holding the majority ownership of two of Canada's most iconic sports teams, the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Toronto Raptors. According to Sportico, this acquisition values MLSE at a staggering $9.3 billion, further cementing Rogers' place as a dominant force in the sports industry.

This move sees Bell Canada exit the ownership equation entirely, a notable shift from when Rogers and Bell teamed up in 2012 to purchase the majority of MLSE from the Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan for $1.32 billion.

With Rogers firmly at the helm of both the Toronto Maple Leafs and Raptors, speculation swirls about potential changes the company might implement. While no announcements have been made yet, it's clear that Rogers is now a powerhouse in the sports industry. The company also owns the Toronto Blue Jays, which adds to its influence over major Canadian sports franchises.

Rogers' new dominance over MLSE makes it a critical player in sports media, but its track record with customers in the telecom industry raises questions. Both Rogers and Bell have declined to comment further on the deal.

It remains to be seen how Rogers will leverage this new sports ownership and whether this acquisition will influence the operations or performance of the Leafs and Raptors. However, Rogers' increased stake in MLSE makes it a formidable entity in the sports world.