02:00 PM EDT, 07/02/2025 (MT Newswires) -- Rogers Communications (RCI-A.TO, RCI-B.TO) on Wednesday said it is now the largest owner of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE) with a 75% interest, after acquiring BCE's (BCE.TO) 37.5% ownership stake for $4.7 billion.

The company said the acquisition expands Rogers leadership in Canadian sports, taking majority ownership of the company that owns Toronto Maple Leafs, the Toronto Blue Jays, the Toronto Raptors and other teams. Rogers' sports broadcaster, Sportsnet, 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 on July 1, with the purchase price primarily funded from revolving bank credit facilities together with cash on hand.

"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 chief executive Tony Staffieri. "Live sports are a core part of our business and core to the fans who live and breathe every moment."

Rogers Class B shares were last seen up $2.365 to $42.755 on the Toronto Stock Exchange.

Price: 45.50, Change: +2.10, Percent Change: +4.84