We systematically examined the effect of different esters on the rhodium-catalyzed intermolecular [5+2] cycloaddition of 3-acyloxy-1,4-enynes and alkynes with a concomitant 1,2-acyloxy migration. Significant rate acceleration was observed for benzoate substrates bearing an electron-donating substituent. The cycloaddition can now be conducted under much more practical conditions for most terminal alkynes.