Rogers Becomes Majority Owner of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment
Rogers Communications (NYSE:RCI) has completed the acquisition of BCE's 37.5% stake in Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE) for C$4.7 billion, becoming the majority owner with a 75% interest in MLSE. The transaction, funded through revolving bank credit facilities and cash on hand, closed on July 1, 2025, after receiving all regulatory and league approvals.
The deal strengthens Rogers' position in Canadian sports, complementing its existing portfolio that includes the Toronto Blue Jays, Rogers Centre, and Sportsnet. Rogers has invested over $15 billion in Canadian sports over the past decade and maintains strategic partnerships with the NHL through 2037-2038, as well as with the Vancouver Canucks, Edmonton Oilers, and Calgary Flames.
Rogers Communications (NYSE:RCI) ha completato l'acquisizione della quota del 37,5% di BCE in Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE) per 4,7 miliardi di dollari canadesi, diventando il proprietario di maggioranza con una partecipazione del 75% in MLSE. L'operazione, finanziata tramite linee di credito bancarie revolving e liquidità disponibile, si è conclusa il 1° luglio 2025, dopo aver ottenuto tutte le approvazioni regolamentari e delle leghe.
Questo accordo rafforza la posizione di Rogers nello sport canadese, integrando il suo portafoglio esistente che include i Toronto Blue Jays, il Rogers Centre e Sportsnet. Rogers ha investito oltre 15 miliardi di dollari nello sport canadese nell'ultimo decennio e mantiene partnership strategiche con la NHL fino alla stagione 2037-2038, oltre che con i Vancouver Canucks, Edmonton Oilers e Calgary Flames.
Rogers Communications (NYSE:RCI) ha completado la adquisición del 37,5% de BCE en Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE) por 4,7 mil millones de dólares canadienses, convirtiéndose en el propietario mayoritario con un 75% de participación en MLSE. La transacción, financiada mediante líneas de crédito bancarias revolventes y efectivo disponible, se cerró el 1 de julio de 2025 tras recibir todas las aprobaciones regulatorias y de las ligas.
El acuerdo fortalece la posición de Rogers en el deporte canadiense, complementando su cartera existente que incluye a los Toronto Blue Jays, Rogers Centre y Sportsnet. Rogers ha invertido más de 15 mil millones de dólares en deportes canadienses en la última década y mantiene asociaciones estratégicas con la NHL hasta la temporada 2037-2038, así como con los Vancouver Canucks, Edmonton Oilers y Calgary Flames.
Rogers Communications (NYSE:RCI)는 BCE의 Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment(MLSE) 지분 37.5%를 47억 캐나다 달러에 인수하여 MLSE의 75% 지분을 보유한 최대 주주가 되었습니다. 이번 거래는 회전식 은행 신용 시설과 현금으로 자금을 조달했으며, 모든 규제 및 리그 승인을 받은 후 2025년 7월 1일에 완료되었습니다.
이번 거래로 Rogers는 토론토 블루제이스, Rogers Centre, Sportsnet을 포함한 기존 포트폴리오를 보완하며 캐나다 스포츠 분야에서 입지를 강화했습니다. Rogers는 지난 10년간 캐나다 스포츠에 150억 달러 이상을 투자했으며, 2037-2038년까지 NHL과 전략적 파트너십을 유지하고 있으며, 밴쿠버 캐넉스, 에드먼턴 오일러스, 캘거리 플레임스와도 협력 관계를 이어가고 있습니다.
Rogers Communications (NYSE:RCI) a finalisé l'acquisition de la participation de 37,5 % de BCE dans Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE) pour 4,7 milliards de dollars canadiens, devenant ainsi le propriétaire majoritaire avec une participation de 75 % dans MLSE. La transaction, financée par des facilités de crédit bancaire renouvelables et des liquidités disponibles, a été conclue le 1er juillet 2025 après avoir obtenu toutes les approbations réglementaires et des ligues.
Cette opération renforce la position de Rogers dans le sport canadien, complétant son portefeuille existant comprenant les Toronto Blue Jays, le Rogers Centre et Sportsnet. Rogers a investi plus de 15 milliards de dollars dans le sport canadien au cours de la dernière décennie et maintient des partenariats stratégiques avec la NHL jusqu'à la saison 2037-2038, ainsi qu'avec les Vancouver Canucks, Edmonton Oilers et Calgary Flames.
Rogers Communications (NYSE:RCI) hat den Erwerb des 37,5%-Anteils von BCE an Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE) für 4,7 Milliarden kanadische Dollar abgeschlossen und ist damit mit einem 75%-Anteil Mehrheitsgesellschafter von MLSE geworden. Die Transaktion, finanziert durch revolvierende Bankkredite und vorhandene Barmittel, wurde am 1. Juli 2025 abgeschlossen, nachdem alle behördlichen und Ligazulassungen erteilt wurden.
Der Deal stärkt Rogers' Position im kanadischen Sport und ergänzt das bestehende Portfolio, zu dem die Toronto Blue Jays, das Rogers Centre und Sportsnet gehören. Rogers hat in den letzten zehn Jahren über 15 Milliarden US-Dollar in den kanadischen Sport investiert und unterhält strategische Partnerschaften mit der NHL bis 2037-2038 sowie mit den Vancouver Canucks, Edmonton Oilers und Calgary Flames.
- None.
- Significant capital expenditure of C$4.7 billion for the stake acquisition
- Increased debt burden due to funding through revolving bank credit facilities
Insights
Rogers' C$4.7B MLSE stake acquisition creates a Canadian sports powerhouse with unprecedented content control and distribution capabilities.
Rogers' acquisition of BCE's
The transaction represents a significant consolidation of power in sports entertainment. Rogers now controls a formidable portfolio that includes both content creation (sports teams) and distribution channels (Sportsnet). This vertical integration positions Rogers to maximize revenue opportunities across the entire sports value chain – from ticket sales and merchandise to broadcast rights and advertising.
This acquisition aligns perfectly with industry trends. In an era where streaming has disrupted traditional media, live sports remain one of the few content categories that still command premium advertising rates and subscription fees. By securing majority ownership of MLSE, Rogers has locked up valuable must-watch content that can drive subscriber retention across their media platforms.
The strategic partnership with the NHL through 2037-2038 further cements Rogers' dominance in Canadian sports media. This long-term rights agreement, combined with majority ownership of MLSE and complete ownership of the Toronto Blue Jays, creates an unparalleled sports content ecosystem that competitors will struggle to match.
The timing is particularly noteworthy as sports franchise valuations continue to appreciate significantly faster than traditional media assets. By characterizing MLSE as an "appreciating asset," Rogers is signaling to shareholders that this acquisition represents not just a content play but a sound long-term investment with growth potential beyond immediate operational synergies.
Rogers' C$4.7B MLSE acquisition strengthens content portfolio but increases leverage; long-term value depends on synergy execution.
Rogers'
The funding structure – primarily through revolving credit facilities and cash on hand – signals an increase in Rogers' leverage. This financing approach suggests management views the debt markets as providing advantageous terms relative to equity issuance or asset sales. However, this increased debt load will likely impact the company's financial flexibility in the near term.
The strategic rationale centers on vertical integration and content ownership. With over
From a shareholder value perspective, the key metric will be return on invested capital relative to Rogers' cost of capital. Management's characterization of MLSE as a "valuable and appreciating asset" suggests confidence in generating adequate returns, though specific financial metrics about MLSE's performance weren't disclosed.
The long-term value creation potential hinges on execution of synergies between MLSE properties and Rogers' existing media assets. By controlling both content creation and distribution channels, Rogers can potentially capture more value across the sports entertainment ecosystem while creating strategic barriers to competition in Canadian sports media.
Closes transaction to acquire BCE’s
Strengthens commitment to Canadian sports
Will invest to bring championships to Canada
TORONTO, July 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rogers Communications Inc. (TSX: RCI.A and RCI.B) (NYSE: RCI) today announced it has closed its transaction to acquire BCE’s
“MLSE is one of the most prestigious sports and entertainment organizations in the world and we’re proud to be the majority owner of these iconic sports teams,” said Tony Staffieri, President and CEO, Rogers. “Live sports are a core part of our business and core to the fans who live and breathe every moment.”
Rogers has invested over
“We’re passionate about winning and we’re committed to bringing more championships to fans in Canada,” said Edward Rogers, Executive Chair, Rogers.
The acquisition expands Rogers leadership in Canadian sports, adding to its portfolio that includes the Toronto Blue Jays, Rogers Centre and Sportsnet – the number one sports network in Canada. Rogers also has long-term strategic partnerships with the NHL including a new 12-year agreement for the national media rights through 2037-2038, and with the Vancouver Canucks, Edmonton Oilers and Calgary Flames.
The transaction closed effective July 1 after receiving all necessary regulatory and league approvals. The purchase price was primarily funded from revolving bank credit facilities together with cash on hand.
“MLSE is a valuable and appreciating asset and this investment positions us to unlock more value for Rogers shareholders,” added Staffieri. “We’re building something that lasts – on the ice, on the court, on the field, and across the country.”
About Rogers Communications Inc.
Rogers is Canada’s leading communications 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 investors.rogers.com.
For further information:
Media Relations
media@rci.rogers.com
1-844-226-1338
Investor Relations
investor.relations@rci.rogers.com
1-844-801-4792
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