A decision on the fate of the Toronto Argonauts — with the promise of hosting two Grey Cup games at what could be the team’s new home, BMO Field — is just 10 days away.

Outgoing Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment president and CEO Tim Leiweke told the Exhibition Place board they are just days away from a possible deal that would include the sale of the team.

MLSE spokesperson Dave Haggith told the Star the “potential new Argos ownership group” is in talks to contribute $10 million to the expansion of BMO Field. But MLSE is being tight-lipped about the yet-to-be-named group.

“As part of the discussions to expand BMO Field, MLSE committed to the city to try and secure a long-term lease solution for the Argos at the stadium,” Haggith said in an email. “Today’s meeting outlined the costs and the timing involved for the board while reinforcing MLSE’s commitment to working towards a solution with all parties involved.”

The total cost to expand the field of play to accommodate end zones and other upgrades such as CFL-sized locker rooms at the current home of Toronto FC is $20 million, MLSE says, of which they have committed to pay half.

Though the west-end field is already being outfitted with new seats and other updates, it remains unclear whether the Argos will be able to stake their claim and secure a permanent new home.

The $120-million makeover of the field started last year with a $10-million commitment from the city. MLSE put in $90 million, while the province has yet to say whether it will match the city’s buy-in. Though it was hoped federal money would also be up for grabs, the Conservative government earlier said it would not fund the project.

Haggith said the current negotiations include two Grey Cups to be played at BMO Field, though it’s not clear when.

MLSE said that without an agreement finalized in the next 10 days, the Argos won’t be able to play at BMO Field in 2016.

Jim Lawson, interim CFL commissioner, told the Star the league would be likely to consider accepting a condition of having Toronto host two Grey Cup games in 10 years to ensure BMO expansion plans go ahead.

Such an agreement would have to be approved by the board of governors, and no such meeting has been requested.

Lawson said the current policy of the league is to rotate the Grey Cup throughout the league as much as possible. But historically, venues such as B.C. Place Stadium have hosted the Grey Cup twice within just a few years, and he sees no reason why this condition couldn't be considered at the board level.

Lawson, who is close to the negotiations between Argo owner David Braley and MLSE, said he is "aware" of more than one party who have expressed interest in buying the team.

Argos executive chairman and CEO Chris Rudge said he is hopeful a deal can be struck.

“My understanding is, without being at the table, progress is being made,” Rudge said. “If that did happen, I think it would be very good for ensuring the future of this magnificent franchise.”

Earlier this month, Mayor John Tory (open John Tory's policard) — who was previously a CFL commissioner — toured the field with MLSE to see how the current expansion was shaping up.

On Friday, Tory told reporters he, too, is optimistic the deal will come through.

“I’m told those discussions are going along reasonably well, not withstanding the short timeframe,” he said. “I’m very hopeful, obviously, that they will conclude an agreement in the time available.”

In January the CFL confirmed Toronto was being considered to host the Grey Cup in 2016, but had not yet won the rights — despite Tory suggesting that was the case in a radio interview.

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Exhibition Place board member Councillor Mike Layton (open Mike Layton's policard) said Leiweke was asked to give an update to the board by chair Councillor Mark Grimes (open Mark Grimes's policard).

“The board has expressed their position before to say we support the Argos moving here,” Layton said. “Everyone sees it as a good thing.”

With files from Curt Rush

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