entertainment, gaming and sports
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sports

Our experience in the sports industry is extensive and diverse. We have advised on the purchase and sale of professional sports franchises and counselled sports franchise owners on general corporate and tax matters, as well as sponsorship, licensing and marketing issues.

We acted on the purchase by Rogers Communications Inc. of the Rogers Centre (formerly SkyDome), and also represented the purchaser in the acquisition of the Toronto Blue Jays Baseball Club, and have provided ongoing legal representation to the team's organization. We have also been involved in many other diverse matters related to broadcast and marketing activities that focus on the sports industry.

In the area of trade-mark law, we spearheaded clearance of a new logo for a professional sports team. On the transactional side, we assisted a leading Canadian sports and event marketing corporation structure and implement cross-border merger transactions to expand its U.S. business. Our firm also represented the purchaser of an all-sports radio station in Toronto and advised on the acquisition of an all sports cable specialty station.

Clients & Transactions:

  • Acted for Rogers Communications Inc. in the purchase of the Rogers Centre (formerly SkyDome).
  • Represented the purchaser in the acquisition of the Toronto Blue Jays Baseball Club, and have provided ongoing legal representation to the team's ownership including, general corporate and tax matters, matters involving Major League Baseball sponsorship, licensing and marketing activities, trade-marks and other intellectual property concerns, television and radio broadcasting issues, operational concerns, including those related to stadium matters, employment matters, including contracts for players and other baseball personnel.
  • Represented the majority owner of an Arena Football League team and handled various matters for the team itself.
  • Represented the purchaser of an all-sports radio station in Toronto and advised in connection with the acquisition of an all sports cable specialty station.
  • Represented one of the original principal owners in connection with the establishment of the Toronto Raptors NBA franchise, as well as in the eventual sale of that interest.
  • Represented St. Michael's College School in the sale of the St. Mike's Majors Hockey Club (Ontario Hockey League).