MLSE parts ways with Toronto FC, Argonauts president Bill Manning

Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment has parted ways with Bill Manning, president of Toronto FC and the Toronto Argonauts.

MLSE says Manning's exit was by mutual decision.

"On behalf of MLSE's board of directors and the entire organization, we want to thank Bill for his many contributions in his nearly nine years with the company," MLSE president and CEO Keith Pelley said in a statement. "Bill will always be an important part of the championship history for both clubs, but as we evaluate the path ahead, and measure against our ambition to consistently deliver contending teams, it was determined that a new direction was required.

"Bill is a very accomplished team executive, and a good man, and we wish him and his family the very best in the future."

Toronto FC (7-13-3) is sliding down the MLS Eastern Conference standings having lost six straight in league play and is winless in nine (0-7-2). News of Manning's departure comes the morning after a 2-1 loss to CPL champion Forge FC in the first leg of the Canadian Championship semifinal.

The Toronto Argonauts are 2-2-0 this season.

Manning was named TFC president in October 2015 and later added the title of Argos president when the Canadian Football League franchise was acquired by MLSE in January 2018.

While TFC won the treble in 2017, the club has not made the playoffs since 2020, when it lost in the first round.

As part of the transition, Toronto FC general manager Jason Hernandez and Argonauts GM Michael Clemons will report directly to MLSE president and CEO Keith Pelley.

Manning was a two-time winner of Major League Soccer's executive of the year award with Real Salt Lake before joining TFC.

His hiring meant there was a president in charge in each of MLSE's prized assets: