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Introduction

Toronto Argonauts, fondly called the 'Argos', are a renowned Canadian football team competing in the East Division of the Canadian Football League (CFL). The team is presently owned by Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, adding another storied franchise to their high-profile stable of sports properties in Toronto. This article takes a deep dive into the Toronto Argonauts' ownership, the changes it has undergone, and the impacts on the team's performance and fanbase.

Ownership History of the Toronto Argonauts

The Argos, one of the oldest professional sports teams in North America, have passed through several ownership hands. The ownership history begins from John Candy, Wayne Gretzky, and Bruce McNall in the early 1990s, then moving to hotel magnate Sherwood Schwarz, Canadian broadcasting corporation CTV, Hamilton businessman David Braley, and finally its current owner, Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE).

Ownership Under Sherwood Schwarz and CTV

After the celebrity ownership era of Candy and Gretzky, hotelier Sherwood Schwarz took over the Argos in 1999. Schwarz's era is generally considered one of the franchise's lowest points due to a decrease in team performance and attendance. In 2003, the Toronto Argonauts were bought by the Canadian broadcasting corporation CTV and philanthropist Howard Sokolowski. During their tenure, they brought a sense of stability to the team, which translated to better on-field performance. The highlights were winning the Grey Cup in 2004.

Ownership under David Braley

In 2010, Hamilton businessman David Braley, who also owned the BC Lions, bought the Argos. Despite criticism of one person owning two teams in a nine-team league, the CFL approved the sale. Braley invested money and effort into the team, which ultimately led to the Argos winning the 100th Grey Cup in 2012.

Present Ownership: MLSE

In December 2017, ownership of the Toronto Argonauts was transferred to Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE). This conglomerate already had a significant portfolio in the sports world, including the Toronto Maple Leafs, Toronto FC, and the Toronto Raptors. MLSE is currently owned by Bell Canada Enterprises (37.5%), Rogers Communications (37.5%), and Larry Tanenbaum’s Kilmer Sports (25%).

Impact of MLSE Ownership

Since MLSE took over, there have been notable gains for the Argos, including more resources and infrastructural support owing to the large backing of MLSE. The association with MLSE offers enhanced exposure and audience reach. Despite these improvements, the Argos struggle with attendance, indicating that more needs to be done to boost the Argonauts' popularity.

Conclusion

Today, the Toronto Argonauts remain under the hands of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, heralding a new era of growth and development. The current ownership brings together a plethora of resources, connections, and experiences that will help the Argos prosper in the Canadian Football League. Leveraging their portfolio's strength, MLSE seeks to chart a fertile course for this prestigious football team in the competitive sports landscape.