Rogers Communications Inc. signed a $4.35 billion agreement to become the 100 percent owner of Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment, which owns the Toronto Maple Leafs and Toronto Raptors, buying the last 25 percent ownership stake from Kilmer Sports Inc., the company announced Monday.The deal is subject to league approvals, and Rogers said it expects it to close at the end of 2026.“This is a defining moment for Rogers. Our full ownership of MLSE brings together Canada’s premier communications company with Canada’s premier sports and entertainment organization,” Rogers president Tony Staffieri said in a statement. “It gives us even more opportunity to invest in championship-calibre teams, create unique experiences for customers and fans, and unlock long-term value for shareholders.”MLSE also owns Toronto FC of the MLS and the CFL’s Toronto Argonauts. In addition to MLSE, Rogers also owns the Toronto Blue Jays. The company said it plans to sell a minority stake in its sports, media and entertainment assets in the next year.Rogers became majority stakeholder when it bought out fellow telecommunications giant Bell’s 37.5 percent share in 2024, giving Rogers 75 percent.What it means for the Maple LeafsRogers takes full control at a time at which the Leafs are in the midst of major organizational change.Under Keith Pelley’s leadership as the president and CEO of MLSE, John Chayka and Mats Sundin were hired to run the front office in early May. They fired Craig Berube as head coach soon after and eventually replaced him with Jim Hiller.