MLSE and WWE tag team for new long-term partnership

New WWE Tag Team Champions, Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa hold up the title belts the during SmackDown at Scotiabank Arena on July 5, 2024 in Toronto. (Photo by WWE/Getty Images)

Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment (MLSE) and WWE are partnering together for a new initiative that aims to join wrestling superstars with Toronto sports athletes.

In an announcement on social media Wednesday morning, MLSE said the new “long-term strategic partnership” would explore opportunities like “exclusive merchandise collaborations, original content development community-focused programs, and regular cross-brand appearances from team players and WWE superstars.”

MLSE owns a number of teams based in Toronto including the Maple Leafs, Raptors, Argonauts and TFC.

The companies say that WWE’s flagship show, Monday Night Raw, will return to downtown’s Scotiabank Arena next year on Jan. 26, with Toronto sports personalities in attendance. The event will air live on Netflix worldwide.

MLSE says WWE superstars will make appearances in the following two days at the Leafs’ home games.

“Collaborating with an iconic organization like MLSE is a natural extension of WWE’s deep and growing connection with Toronto,” said Alex Varga, co-head of revenue at WWE. “(It) allows us to create new and authentic experiences for fans to reinforce our long-term commitment to the region.”

“MLSE and WWE have a long and strong history together, teaming up many times over the years to create iconic entertainment moments for our fans,” added Phil King, chief business officer at MLSE. “We are thrilled to expand out partnership with WWE... to create world-class content and build on Toronto’s standing as a leading market globally.”

The pair of companies say the new partnership will build on the existing launch of “exclusive” licenced WWE Legacy Title Belts that featured the Leafs and Raptors.

Tickets for January’s Monday Night Raw event in Toronto go on sale this Friday at 10 a.m. local time on Ticketmaster. Presale tickets can be purchased at 10 a.m. on Thursday with the code WWEVIP.