By Sarah Jean Maher, Eric Koreen and Chris Johnston
Rogers signed a deal to purchase Bell’s 37.5 percent ownership stake in Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE), which owns the Toronto Maple Leafs and Toronto Raptors, for $4.7 billion Canadian dollars ($3.46 billion USD), making it the majority owner of the sports entertainment company.
“MLSE is one of the most prestigious sports and entertainment organizations in the world and we’re proud to expand our ownership of these coveted sports teams,” Tony Staffieri, Rogers president and CEO, said. “As Canada’s leading communications and entertainment company, live sports and entertainment are a critical part of our core business strategy.”
Bell and Rogers jointly acquired a 75 percent stake in MLSE from the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan in 2012.
Sportsnet, which Rogers owns, will continue to broadcast 50 percent of Maple Leafs regional games and 50 percent of Raptors…
