Report: MLSE close to tabbing former TV exec Cassaday as Leiweke's successor

After landing Mike Babcock, Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment is reportedly on the verge of making another significant hire.

The company that owns the NHL's Toronto Maple Leafs, NBA's Raptors, and Toronto FC of MLS will hold final discussions next week to approve John Cassaday as its new president and CEO, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reports.

Cassaday stepped down as CEO of Toronto-based television and radio broadcaster Corus Entertainment in March.

Tim Leiweke will vacate the MLSE post on June 30.

MLSE chairman Larry Tanenbaum told The Globe and Mail on Friday that the board was close to ending their search for a successor.

TSN's Rick Westhead reported two weeks ago that Cassaday was approached by MLSE and that the two sides discussed the soon-to-be vacant position.

The finalists were reportedly interviewed earlier this month.

MLSE has been seeking a replacement for Leiweke since last fall. They reportedly reached out to NHL chief operating officer John Collins, who turned them down.