WWE, the heavyweight professional wrestling promotion, has announced a wide-ranging deal with multi-sports ownership group Maple League Sports and Entertainment (MLSE) spanning events, merchandise, and content development.
The “long-term strategic partnership” will see the regular cross-brand appearances from players from teams under the MLSE banner and WWE stars, as well as exclusive merchandise collaborations and original content development.
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Canada-based MLSE runs the NHL ice hockey’s Toronto Maple Leafs, NBA basketball's Toronto Raptors, Major League Soccer side Toronto FC, and the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League American football competition.
The partnership includes MLSE’s Scotiabank Arena in Toronto hosting Monday Night Raw on January 26, 2026. The event, aired live globally via streaming giant Netflix, will be attended by Toronto sports personalities.
WWE stars, meanwhile, will make appearances at Toronto Maple Leaf games on January 25 and 27.
Alex Varga, co-head of revenue at WWE, said: “Collaborating with an iconic organization like MLSE is a natural extension of WWE’s deep and growing connection with Toronto, which has included recent major events like Money in the Bank in 2024 and Elimination Chamber in 2025 and allows us to create new and authentic experiences for fans to reinforce our long-term commitment to the region.”
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By GlobalDataThe deal is similar to the WWE’s partnership with French soccer giants Paris Saint-Germain struck earlier this year ahead of the promotion’s SmackDown event in Lyon, France, and the Clash in Paris premium live event (PLE) in August.
That deal also included the pair collaborating on original content, exclusive merchandise, fan engagement initiatives, crossover appearances featuring stars from both sides, and community-driven projects.
The WWE’s return to Toronto comes as part of WWE’s internationalization efforts, that has seen it host PLEs around the globe since 2022, including in Cardiff (Wales), Glasgow (Scotland), London (UK), Lyon (France), Berlin (Germany), Perth (Australia), and San Juan (Puerto Rico).
It also stages regular events in Riyadh and Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
