Rogers Communications Inc. has secured the seventh spot on CNBC's annual ranking of the world's most valuable sports empires, with an estimated worth of US$14.5 billion. The total value of all 20 empires on the list reached US$269 billion, a 20 per cent increase from the previous year, according to the report released on Friday.
Rogers' sports assets drive valuation
The Toronto-based telecom giant holds a 75 per cent controlling stake in Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment (MLSE), which owns the Toronto Maple Leafs, Toronto Raptors, Toronto FC, and Scotiabank Arena. Rogers also directly owns the Toronto Blue Jays and the Sportsnet broadcast network. In the 2025 ranking, MLSE alone was valued at US$10.2 billion, placing 11th on the list.
Rogers became MLSE's majority owner on July 1, 2025, after purchasing BCE Inc.'s 37.5 per cent stake for $4.7 billion. In April, CEO Tony Staffieri said on an analyst call that Rogers expects to acquire MLSE's remaining 25 per cent minority stake later this year. After that deal closes, Staffieri said Rogers plans to “combine our assets into one of the most significant sports ownership, media and entertainment entities globally,” which the company estimates will be worth $25 billion. Rogers intends to sell a minority stake in the new group to external investors, with proceeds used to pay down debt.
Top sports empires see double-digit growth
Denver-based Kroenke Sports & Entertainment retained the top spot, with its value spiking 23 per cent to US$26 billion. The portfolio includes the Colorado Avalanche, Denver Nuggets, and Los Angeles Rams. The Jones family, owners of the Dallas Cowboys, ranked second with a 13 per cent increase to US$17.6 billion. Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment, owner of the Philadelphia 76ers and New Jersey Devils, took third place, growing 16 per cent to US$16.9 billion.
CNBC senior sports reporter Michael Ozanian noted on Squawk Box that the minimum value to make this year's list was US$9 billion, up from US$7.65 billion in 2025. The report highlighted that NFL and NBA franchises command higher valuations than MLB, NHL, and soccer teams, and that portfolios without NFL or NBA teams are less likely to appear in the top 20.
