MLSE is reportedly close to finding Tim Leiweke’s replacement, and it will be John Cassaday, former CEO of Corus Entertainment. The MLSE board will hold discussions next week to confirm John Cassaday as its new president and CEO.
Cassaday ran Corus Entertainment, the Toronto based television broadcaster which owns several stations such as YTV and Teletoon, along with radio stations such as 102.1 the Edge, and Q107. He stepped down from that post in March after 16 years.
Tim Leiweke is set to depart on June 30, exactly two years to the day since when he was hired. Leiweke on arrival spoke about rejuvenating the Raptors (another interview) and then demoted/fired Bryan Colangelo after another lottery season. He then hired Masai Ujiri after a short search.
Whereas Leiweke came from a sports background, Cassaday’s history is much different and more diverse. From a Raptors perspective, he inherits a situation far different than Leiweke did, when enthusiasm was low with the team struggling. Though the playoff sweep has left many fans disenchanted, you’d have to think it’s very unlikely that Cassaday could spark executive-level changes for the Raptors.
It should be noted that Cassaday reportedly wasn’t the first choice as MLSE had apparently contacted NHL Chief Operating Officer John Collins, who rebuffed their advances.
