MLSE buys Grey Cup champs

TORONTO — Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, which already owns the Maple Leafs, Marlies, Raptors and Toronto FC, is adding the CFL’s Argonauts to its portfolio.

MLSE announced Wednesday it has an agreement to buy the Grey Cup champions.

There was already some crossownership. The Argos are currently owned by two-thirds of the MLSE triumvirate — chairman Larry Tanenbaum’s holding company, the Kilmer Group, and Bell Canada.

In bringing the Argos fully into the MLSE fold, Rogers Communications will officially join its two MLSE partners as part of the CFL team’s ownership.

“Under its current ownership, a transformed Argonauts football club enhanced its presence and fan base in Canada’s largest sports market and ultimately marched to the CFL championship,” MLSE president and CEO Michael Friisdahl said in a statement. “We look forward to building on the Argos’ strong momentum as we welcome the team to the leading provider of sports and entertainment experiences in Canada.”

The sale is expected to close in January 2018, according to MLSE.

Approval from the CFL board of governors would not seem to be a problem.

“On the heels of a stunning Grey Cup showdown with the Calgary Stampeders that highlighted the sheer excitement of Canadian football, we’re thrilled that the Argonauts will be joining the MLSE roster,” CFL commissioner Randy Ambrosie, said in a statement. “We welcome MLSE to the CFL and look forward to working with them to further enhance the experience for Canadian football fans.”

The Argos play at MLSEoperated BMO Field, home to the newly crowned MLS champion Toronto FC. While the lakefront stadium has more character than the domed Rogers Centre, fans have taken a while to warm up to it.

The Argos drew just 11,219 spectators to a June 30 home loss to the B.C. Lions. But attendance grew as Toronto mounted its playoff push with the Eastern final against Saskatchewan drawing 24,929.

Bell and Tanenbaum bought the Argos from David Braley in May 2015 after nearly a year of talks. Braley, who also owns the B.C. Lions, took control of the Argos in February 2010 from Toronto businessmen David Cynamon and Howard Sokolowski.

Founded in 1873, the Toronto Argonauts are North America’s oldest continuously operated professional football club.

THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES The Toronto Argonauts celebrate as they hoist the Grey Cup after defeating the Calgary Stampeders in the 105th Grey Cup last month. Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment has struck a deal to buy the Argonauts.