Rogers’ MLSE play the latest in shift for Canadian sports landscape, experts say
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TORONTO — Sports business experts say Rogers Communications Inc.’s full takeover of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment is the latest sign of a shift in Canada’s professional sports landscape.
The telecom giant announced Monday it will acquire the remaining 25 per cent stake in MLSE it didn’t yet own for $4.35 billion, spelling the end for longtime part-owner Larry Tanenbaum through his holding company, Kilmer Sports Inc.
It comes amid other big changes involving Rogers’ sports ventures, including last month’s joint announcement with CBC that the pair wouldn’t renew their sublicense agreement that allowed the public broadcaster to air NHL games on Hockey Night in Canada.
Concordia University sports economist Moshe Lander says it shows “the days of free-to-air are gone,” with fans forced to pay to watch hockey and their other favourite sports.
