Edward Rogers, executive chair of Rogers Communications, has acquired a minority interest in the Toronto Polar Bears, the sole Canadian team in the Pro Padel League. This investment underscores his enthusiasm for the growing racket sport and aims to boost its profile in North America. The move adds padel to his extensive sports portfolio in the city.
Edward Rogers, the 56-year-old executive chair of Rogers Communications, has expanded his sports investments by purchasing a minority stake in the Toronto Polar Bears. This team is the only Canadian franchise among the 10 clubs in the North American Pro Padel League, a fledgling competition launched to promote the sport on the continent.
Rogers, who already oversees the Toronto Blue Jays and holds significant control over other major teams through Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment—including the Raptors, Maple Leafs, Argonauts, and Toronto FC—expressed his personal passion for padel in a statement. "I personally play padel and love the sport," he said. "I believe this sport will continue to flourish in Canada and North America, like it has done in most of the rest of the world. I have confidence in [Polar Bears CEO and president] Zale Turner and I believe this team and this league has a strong chance of success."
Padel blends elements of tennis and squash, using solid carbon composite rackets on courts enclosed by glass walls that allow balls to rebound into play. The sport's popularity in Canada has surged, with the Canada Padel Federation estimating over 50,000 participants nationwide in 2025. In the Greater Toronto Area alone, more than 40 courts cater to players at various levels.
Zale Turner founded the Polar Bears in 2023, driven by a contrarian spirit. "When I asked 10 of my friends and nine of them told me not to do it, that’s how I knew automatically it would be a great idea to do it," he recalled in an interview. The ownership group now includes former Toronto FC player Sebastian Giovinco, Juventus Academy Toronto's Rick Di Gironimo, and minority partner Josh Garr of a.p.i Alarm Inc., which has sponsored the team since its start. Financial firm Canaccord Genuity recently joined as a sponsor.
Turner views Rogers' involvement as a major endorsement. "There’s no bigger accomplishment in sports business here than to have him as an investor and partner," he said. "I think that he’s the most profound sports figure in Canada. It’s unbelievable what he has accomplished, and I’m very excited because his presence gives a stamp of approval for padel and its growth." This partnership is expected to draw greater public and investor attention to the team and the league.
