Edward Rogers Acquires a Minority Stake in the Toronto Polar Bears
In a significant move for both the Toronto Polar Bears and the growing sport of padel, Edward Rogers has officially acquired a minority stake in the team. This announcement comes from Zale Turner, the President, CEO, and Founder of the Toronto Polar Bears, marking a partnership that is set to bolster the representation of padel in North America.
The Toronto Polar Bears, which competes in the Pro Padel League (PPL), is the sole Canadian franchise in this burgeoning sports league. Founded by Zale Turner, who also serves as the majority owner, the team has been instrumental in pushing the popularity of padel, a sport that is rapidly gaining traction across Canada and the United States.
Edward Rogers holds a prominent position as the Executive Chair of Rogers Communications, in addition to being the Chair of Rogers Bank, the Toronto Blue Jays, and Maple Leaf Sports Entertainment. His entry into the world of professional padel is seen as an exciting development by many in the sports industry.
Zale Turner expressed his enthusiasm regarding the partnership, stating, “I am excited and honoured to partner with global business leader and sports visionary Edward Rogers for the Toronto Polar Bears. Padel is the world's fastest-growing sport, and that enthusiasm is rapidly spreading throughout Canada and the United States.”
The Pro Padel League is recognized as one of the premier professional padel leagues worldwide, hosting ten teams across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. The league garners considerable attention, reaching an impressive 300 million households in over 100 countries, thanks to world-class distribution partners. Recent events in notable cities like Miami, New York, Spain, and The Hamptons have reportedly sold out, demonstrating the sport's popularity and growing fan base.
As a coed sport featuring both men's and women's doubles, the Pro Padel League offers a unique competitive structure, attracting some of the world's top padel players as competitors. With Rogers' investment, the Toronto Polar Bears are expected to unveil numerous initiatives aimed at promoting the sport and increasing its visibility in North America.
The excitement surrounding this partnership aligns perfectly with the league's ambitious growth plans and encourages sports enthusiasts to engage with the sport of padel. As the landscape of professional sports continues to evolve, the involvement of prominent figures like Edward Rogers signals strong potential for the future of padel in the region.
For more information on the Toronto Polar Bears and upcoming events, visit
www.torontopolarbears.com.