Toronto FC president Bill Manning has signed a five-year extension with Maple Leafs Sports & Entertainment, the club announced Thursday.
The extension keeps Manning in his post as president of the Reds as well as the Canadian Football League's Toronto Argonauts through the 2025 MLS and CFL seasons. Manning joined Maple Leafs Sports & Entertainment in 2015.
“MLSE’s ownership is extremely proud of the strength of the organization’s leadership at all levels, but that is especially true within our teams where we have some of the strongest leaders in our respective leagues,” MLSE chairman Larry Tanenbaum said in Thursday's release. “Bill has brought invaluable experience to MLSE as President of TFC and the Argos, but more importantly, he has had an important hand in creating a company culture focused on winning and giving back to our community.”
Toronto has achieved its longest period of success in MLS during Manning's tenure, going to three MLS Cups, winning one in the 2017 season that also saw the club win the Supporters' Shield. They also won three consecutive Canadian Championships from 2016-2018. Manning assumed double-duty as president of the Argonauts when MLSE acquired the CFL franchise in 2018.
The 55-year-old is a two-time MLS Executive of the Year during his stint as president of Real Salt Lake from 2008-2015, which saw the club win MLS Cup in 2009 and finish as the runner-up in 2013.
“When I joined MLSE six years ago as TFC President, I stressed the importance of stability and continuity to achieve our goal of a championship, and we achieved that goal in 2017,” Manning said. “Today I am thankful to our ownership group for their belief in me and I am so appreciative of all the talented staff members and great players who have worked with me here in Toronto.
"We will continue to fill the TFC trophy case, and I look forward to lifting the Grey Cup soon with Michael Clemons and Ryan Dinwiddie. I’m grateful to the fans of both TFC and the Argos for welcoming me and my family to this special city and for all of their support.”
