{
  "id": 11271200,
  "title": "Rogers completes purchase of Kilmer’s MLSE stake",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/01/rogers-completes-purchase-of-kilmers-mlse-stake",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-10-01T19:57:46.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Global News",
    "slug": "global-news",
    "url": "https://globalnews.ca/news/12084549/rogers-completes-purchase-of-kilmers-mlse-stake/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Rogers Communications Inc. has finalized its acquisition of the remaining 25% stake in Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE) from Larry Tanenbaum's Kilmer Sports Inc., following a $4.35-billion deal. With this completion, Rogers now owns 100% of the sports conglomerate that encompasses the Maple Leafs, Raptors, Toronto FC, and Toronto Argonauts. The company plans to establish a new unit, Rogers Sports, which will integrate MLSE properties with its existing assets like the Toronto Blue Jays and other media and entertainment businesses. MLSE's assets also encompass Scotiabank Arena, affiliated development teams for Toronto's NHL and NBA franchises, and its partnership with Live Nation. Rogers already owns the Rogers Centre, Sportsnet, and more than 40 radio stations, making this acquisition a significant expansion of its portfolio. Tony Staffieri, Rogers' president and CEO, emphasized his commitment to building championship-calibre teams and enhancing the fan experience. Keith Pelley will continue as president and CEO of MLSE, while taking on additional responsibilities for Rogers Sports, while Mark Shapiro will retain his role as president and CEO of the Blue Jays. The company aims to monetize its combined sports and media assets, estimating their total value at over $25 billion. By the first half of 2027, Rogers intends to announce the sale of minority stakes in the combined sports entity, subject to league approvals, which will be used to pay down debt.",
  "summary": "Rogers Communications Inc. says it has completed its purchase of the remaining 25 per cent stake in Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment from Larry Tanenbaum's Kilmer Sports Inc.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}