Larry Tanenbaum Emerges as Potential Figure in CF Montréal Ownership Talks

The question of who will buy CF Montréal has dominated local discourse since Monday. While many names have been circulated in the media, most lack credibility given that the franchise is valued at nearly one billion Canadian dollars. Amidst this search for a new steward for the club, one name has surfaced repeatedly in serious conversations: Larry Tanenbaum. While many might search for Larrys Montreal to find local dining, the focus here is on the prominent 81-year-old businessman and his potential involvement in the professional sports landscape.

Recent discussions suggest that Geoff Molson, who oversees the entertainment industry in Montreal through Groupe CH, has engaged in exploratory talks with Tanenbaum. Sources indicate that while the Molson family would not lead an acquisition group alone, they could join a consortium headed by a credible figure who possesses deep knowledge of the sport. Tanenbaum, a seasoned executive with a significant history in the sports world, fits this profile.

Larry Tanenbaum is being explored as a credible potential leader for a future CF Montréal ownership group.

Tanenbaum’s background is extensive. He played a pivotal role in the development of the MLSE empire, which includes the Toronto Raptors and Toronto FC, and has served as chairman of the NBA Board of Governors. Through his company, Kilmer Sports Venture, he maintains interests in various professional organizations, including the WNBA’s Toronto Tempo and the French club AS Saint-Étienne. His team includes former Arsenal and AC Milan executive Ivan Gazidis, adding further soccer-specific expertise to his operations.

Despite his age, Tanenbaum’s recent divestment from MLSE for 4.35 billion Canadian dollars has provided him with the capital to pursue new ventures. While he has recently favored more modest investments, his son Kenneth plays a major leadership role within Kilmer Sports Venture, potentially positioning the business for long-term succession. Whether this interest in CF Montréal will materialize remains to be seen, as the club’s valuation and the complexities of MLS ownership rules present significant hurdles.

Why it matters

The potential sale of CF Montréal represents a significant shift in the ownership landscape of Canadian professional sports. A transition to a group led by an experienced figure like Tanenbaum could impact the club's long-term strategy and its ability to compete within the MLS framework, affecting fans and stakeholders across the region.