Maple Leafs Sports & Entertainment, the parent company of the Toronto Maple Leafs and other Toronto sports franchises, announced that they have mutually parted ways with Bill Manning, president of the CFL's Toronto Argonauts and MLS's Toronto FC.
Manning, an experienced sports executive, joined Toronto FC in 2015 and the Argonauts in 2018. His departure coincides with Toronto FC's recent challenges, as the club finished last in MLS last season amidst reported locker room issues involving high-profile imports Lorenzo Insigne and Federico Bernardeschi.
While Manning's focus leaned towards soccer due to his background in the sport, the Argonauts achieved recent successes, including winning the CFL's Grey Cup in 2022 and holding a 16-2 record last season.
MLSE President & CEO Keith Pelley acknowledged Manning's contributions in a statement but underscored the organization's requirement for a "new direction."
The decision raises uncertainty about the future of Leafs President Brendan Shanahan. Shanahan, who has been with the Leafs since 2014, has a contract expiring in 2025. Following Toronto's dismissal of GM Kyle Dubas and Head Coach Sheldon Keefe due to playoff challenges, questions surround Shanahan's tenure.
Pelley's statement did not reference the Leafs or the Toronto Raptors. There was no mention of Shanahan or Raptors President Masai Ujiri in his remark
Source: Hockey Patrol
MLSE ouster could spell the end of Brendan Shanahan with the Toronto Maple Leafs
POLL | ||
JUILLET 11 | 212 ANSWERS MLSE changes may end Brendan Shanahan's time with the Toronto Maple Leafs Should Brendan Shanahan remain as President of the Leafs? | ||
Yes | 57 | 26.9 % |
No | 155 | 73.1 % |
List of polls |