TORONTO, Ontario — Rogers Communications has completed its C$4.35 billion purchase of the remaining 25 percent of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment and will combine its major sports and broadcasting properties in a new Rogers Sports business unit.
The unit will bring together Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, the Toronto Blue Jays and Rogers’ media and entertainment operations. Rogers says its portfolio includes Sportsnet, more than 30 television networks and more than 40 radio stations, giving the new organization substantial control over sports teams, venues, programming and distribution.
Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment owns the Toronto Maple Leafs, Toronto Raptors, Toronto FC and Toronto Argonauts, along with Scotiabank Arena and a partnership with Live Nation. Rogers now owns the company outright.
Keith Pelley will remain president and chief executive officer of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment and will immediately assume additional responsibility for Rogers Media. Mark Shapiro will remain president and chief executive officer of the Toronto Blue Jays.
Rogers says operations will continue normally while it develops the new unit’s operating structure. The company has not yet detailed whether the consolidation will change management below the top level, radio or television staffing, local programming, sports-rights arrangements or the identities of individual broadcast properties.