
Sports, Media & Entertainment
- Overview
- Who To Contact
- Representative Matters
- Recent Developments
The Aird & Berlis Sports, Media & Entertainment Group brings deep industry knowledge and expertise to a multifaceted and multi-jurisdictional practice. The members of our Group, who are prominent in their respective fields, possess a unique understanding of the interrelated issues in the sports, media and entertainment industries.
Whether you are negotiating a contract or sponsorship agreement, structuring a business transaction, protecting your intellectual property rights, navigating ever-changing regulations, managing the construction or day-to-day operation of sports & entertainment complexes, or requiring assistance with tax planning or the handling of a dispute, our Group has the experience you can rely on.
Sports
Several members of our Group competed at the national level in various sports. We bring that same level of focus and discipline to providing counsel to athletes and organizations on a broad range of matters involving local, national and international professional sports organizations and high-profile sport and multi-sport events. We have experience dealing with the world’s major sports leagues, including the NHL, NBA, MLS, F1, FIFA and the English Premier League and Champions League. Our roster of clients includes owners of professional sports teams, sports associations and other organizations, executives, professional and amateur athletes and coaches, directors, multi-sport event organizers, funding partners and broadcasters. Our expertise encompasses governance issues under the Canadian and International Olympic Committee frameworks and the Pan American Sports Organization.
Media
Entertainment
We are also uniquely positioned to advise on entertainment law issues. The dynamic evolution of digital distribution networks and platforms pose challenges and opportunities for creators and distributors of media and entertainment content. Our team advises content producers and distributors, including musicians, artists, authors and film and television studios in Canada and internationally.
Our Sports, Media & Entertainment Group is at the forefront of legal representation and expertise in esports, an evolving industry positioned at the intersection of sport, media, entertainment, technology and creative content. We act on local, regional, national and international matters for professional gamers, teams, leagues, gaming organizations, investors and financing parties, underwriters and sponsors, governments and regulatory agencies, hardware and software companies, entertainment, promotion and advertising companies, media and broadcasters, and others. We appreciate the many connections that esports have with other areas of industry, including publishing, gambling, hospitality, event production, finance and entertainment.
Community Involvement
Our familiarity with and passion for the sports, media and entertainment industries extends beyond the practice of law. Our members believe in giving back and are heavily involved with numerous non-profit industry associations, national and international federations, governing bodies and charitable organizations. Examples include the MLSE Foundation, Hockey Canada, the Greater Toronto Hockey League, Tennis Canada, the International Tennis Federation, the Ontario Hockey Federation, Alpine Ontario Alpin, the 13th Pan American Games and the David Foster Association. In addition, we have proudly provided financial and other non-legal support to high-performance athletes, national teams and international sporting organizations, including sponsoring athletes and teams in Olympic Games since 2006.
Specialized Expertise
We have particular Sports, Media & Entertainment expertise in the following areas:
- Advertising/Marketing
- Intellectual Property
- Labour & Employment
- Corporate & Commercial
- Tax
- Privacy & Data Security
- Securities
- Infrastructure
Representative Matters
Select examples of our lawyers’ representative expertise is set out below. Please note that in some instances, the client name is not provided due to reasons of confidentiality.
Sports
- Provide ongoing advice to athletes, teams, corporations, National Sporting Organizations and player unions in connection with sponsorships, promotions, contractual arrangements, branding and intellectual property, tax structuring and other matters that may arise from time to time, such as litigation, real estate and immigration.
- Represent athletes, National Sporting Organizations and other such entities on complaints, code of conduct violations, safe sport and related matters.
- Advise national and local sporting organizations with respect to corporate structuring and governance.
- Advise players’ associations on matters relating to branding, contractual arrangements, sponsorships, governance and corporate structuring.
- Provided tax planning advice to a Toronto Raptors basketball player.
- Successfully defended a Canadian hockey player in a publicized dispute with the CRA.
- Provided tax planning advice to the owner of an NHL franchise.
- Advised PGA TOUR, Inc. in connection with its Canadian branding.
- Advised an internationally-renowned soccer player on Canadian branding matters.
- Negotiated construction contracts for Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment.
- Advised on procurement and construction matters relating to the Mosaic Stadium Project [Regina, Saskatchewan].
- Advised on a syndicated lending transaction involving CIT Lending Corporation and a professional sports team, an arena holding corporation, a ticketing entity and a concession entity, all of which was subject to the governing body of the particular professional sport.
- Advised on the purchase of a sports memorabilia company.
- Lead counsel in the successful CCAA restructuring of National Sports, resulting in Canada’s first DIP loan, refinanced through one of Canada’s first asset-based loans.
- Counsel to Walt Disney Parks & Resorts US Inc. in the insolvency proceedings commenced by Cirque du Soleil Canada Inc. and certain related entities under the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act.
Esports & Gaming
- Advised a leading technology games publisher on its Canadian launch.
- Advised Sports Entertainment Acquisition Corp., a publicly traded special purpose acquisition company, in respect of its merger with Super Group, the parent of Betway, a global technology company delivering the world’s leading, regulated, online betting and gaming brands, to create a global gaming company to be listed on the New York Stock Exchange.
- Advised a U.K. sports betting company on licensing and registrations relevant to the Canadian market and corporate matters.
- Advised the publisher of one of the world’s most popular first-person shooter video games.
- Provided corporate and regulatory advice to an esports specialty hardware manufacturer.
- Represented a leading sports and esports gambling business in government procurement processes and corporate and regulatory matters.
- Advised on the acquisition of one of the leading fantasy esports providers, including on the relevant Canadian regulatory and compliance context.
- Provided advice to counsel of a leading fantasy sports operator on Canadian legal matters.
- Advised a leading sports and esports gambling business on regulatory processes and licensing/registration matters.
- Advised a Canadian provincial industry regulatory agency in regard to the potential regulation of the industry.
- Advised a variety of entertainment, gambling and hospitality operators on the adoption of esports into their business operations.
- Advised a syndicate of underwriters of a major payment processor in relation to Canadian legal risks associated with online products and services, including gaming/gambling.
- Assisted a Canadian-based gaming and esports company with operations in North America and Europe in contemplation of a securities offering.
- Advised a U.S. gaming company focused on the development of gaming facilities in connection with its interest in expanding into Canada.
- Advised the Government of Ontario on the establishment of the Slots at Racetracks Program.
- Advised technology companies in structuring Internet sweepstakes, skill-based offerings, social gaming platforms and compliance with federal and state laws.
Media & Entertainment
- Represented Aubrey “Drake” Graham in structuring an endorsement deal with Canopy Growth Corporation.
- Represented Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter, Roc Nation and his affliate entity Caliva and Left Coast Venture resulting in the launch of the largest vertically integrated cannabis operation in California and the largest Cannabis SPAC in history.
- Advised on the tax structuring for The Tragically Hip cross country final tour, and for Gord Downie & the other members of the band.
- Advised Loud & Live on their Canadian concert series.
- Advised Jason Cloth, an executive film producer, on several joint ventures.
- Provided tax planning for a Virtual Immersive Exhibit across Canada.
- Provided Canadian tax planning to a renowned Canadian born international superstar.
- Advised on a structuring deal for an up and coming Canadian singer with a U.S. financial sponsor.
- Provided Canadian tax planning for one of the top international DJs.
- Structured a Canadian concert for an internationally renowned opera singer.
- Structured a joint venture between a Canadian and a U.S. company for a musical Broadway show.
- Representing global streaming companies with respect to the Canadian regulatory framework.
- Represented a Fortune 100 company and world leading producer and provider of entertainment and information in trademark, copyright and litigation proceedings.
- Represented a major Canadian telecom/media company on regulatory approval of the transfer of control under the Broadcasting Act and Competition Act in connection with a proposed acquisition.
- Provided Shaw Communications Inc. with regulatory counsel on the acquisition of Shaw Media Inc. by Corus Entertainment Inc.
- Advised Mr. X Inc., a digital studio specializing in feature film animation and visual effects, on employment matters in connection with the sale of its business to a Canadian subsidiary of Technicolor S.A., a worldwide media and entertainment technology leader.
- Represented Canadian film distributors before the Canadian Copyright Board on the use of copyrighted audio visual material.
- Advising Rogers Communications Inc. on regulatory compliance under the Broadcasting Act and Competition Act issues in connection with a proposed media acquisition.
- Represented the shareholders of Phase 4 Films with its sale to Entertainment One Ltd. (LSE:ETO), a leading international entertainment company that specializes in the acquisition, production and distribution of film and television content.
- Advised major U.S. studios on acquisitions and commercial transactions in Canada and on regulatory and competition law matters.
- Advised The Cordish Company on its joint venture with Woodbine Entertainment Group in connection with the development of up to 3 million square feet of commercial space adjacent to the Woodbine racetrack.
- Represented ROW Entertainment Income Fund in connection with the acquisition of Koch Entertainment for a purchase price of US$80 million.
Contacts
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BioFull bio
Jennifer is Co-Chair of the firm’s Mergers & Acquisitions Group and founder and Co-Chair of the Sports, Media & Entertainment Group.
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BioFull bio
Whether he is working on a transaction or providing strategic advice, Peter puts himself in the shoes of the client to gain a better understanding of ...
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BioFull bio
Stephen guides clients through the rapidly evolving regulatory environment governing the telecommunications and media industry in Canada.
Group Members
Representative Matters
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Investor Group Announces Formation of North American Professional Women’s Hockey League
On June 30, 2023, the Mark Walter Group and Billie Jean King Enterprises (the “Investor Group”) announced that a single viable professional women’s hockey league in North America, featuring the best w... -
Federal Court of Appeal Affirms Use of Reverse Class Actions For Copyright Infringement Claims
On September 8, 2021, the Federal Court of Appeal released its decision in Salna v. Voltage Pictures, LLC, 2021 FCA 176 regarding certification of a reverse class action (i.e. where there is a class o... -
The Largest Cannabis SPAC in History Launches The Parent Company with Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter, Roc Nation, Caliva and Left Coast Ventures
Aird & Berlis, in conjunction with U.S. law firms Reed Smith LLP and Cummings & Lockwood LLC, acted as legal counsel to Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter and his affiliate entities in connection with the launch o... -
Drake Launches Cannabis Wellness Company with Canopy Growth
Aubrey Drake Graham, in agreements with Toronto-based Canopy Growth Corporation, launched More Life Growth Company™.
Recent Developments
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Article
Depp v. Heard: What if This Lawsuit Had Been Commenced in Ontario?
This article examines how various aspects of the litigation, particularly an anti-SLAPP motion, may have affected the outcome had the action been commenced in Ontario. -
Firm News
2023 Edition of Doing Business in Canada Now Available!
Aird & Berlis is pleased to present the 2023 edition of Doing Business in Canada. This publication was developed to provide a general overview of Canadian federal and Ontario law, and is intended for ... -
TheSpotlight
UN Criticizes France’s Ban on Athletes Wearing Headscarves at the Olympics
The UN Human Rights Office is the latest body to condemn France’s decision to ban Olympic athletes from wearing headscarves at the 2024 Paris Games. -
Firm News
91 Aird & Berlis Lawyers Recognized in The Best Lawyers in Canada 2024
Aird & Berlis is proud to announce that 91 members of the firm were selected by their peers for inclusion in the 2024 edition of The Best Lawyers in Canada. The firm is recognized across 44 practice ... -
Article
Appellate Guidance on Appealing Receivership Orders
The recent British Columbia Court of Appeal decision in Creative Wealth Media Lending LP 2016 v. Access Road Capital, LLC, 2023 BCCA 208 clarifies how courts determine the merits of applications for l... -
TheSpotlight
The Age of Athlete Entrepreneurship
This article explores the rise of athlete entrepreneurship, the factors driving this trend and the remarkable success stories that have emerged as a result. -
Firm News
Another Step Towards Equality in Sport: A New Professional Women’s Hockey League
In a historic day for equality in sport, the Mark Walter Group and Billie Jean King Enterprises (the “Investor Group”) announced on June 30, 2023, that a single viable professional women’s hockey leag... -
A&B In the News
Peter Czegledy Discusses Canadian Gaming Trends in Law Times Article
Peter Czegledy, leader of the firm’s Gaming Group, recently discussed trends in Canada's gaming industry in an article for Law Times entitled “Advertising a primary focus for authorities in Ontario’s ... -
TheSpotlight
Going International: New Canadian Marketing and Advertising Opportunities Available to NFL Clubs
National Football League teams have new international marketing and investment opportunities in their sights, thanks to the recent implementation of the International Home Marketing Areas program. -
TheSpotlight
Florida Panthers Restrict Non-U.S. Residents From Buying Toronto Maple Leafs Road Playoff Tickets
Toronto Maple Leaf fans looking to travel to Florida for Games 3 and 4 and a possible Game 6 will have limited ticket options as the Florida Panthers have announced that tickets to the second-round se... -
News Item
Aird & Berlis Recognized in the Chambers Global Guide 2023
Aird & Berlis is pleased to announce it has been recognized at the firm and individual level in the 2023 edition of the Chambers Global Guide. The firm was recognized as a leader in the areas of Tax a... -
Firm News
Aird & Berlis Welcomes Nine New Partners
Aird & Berlis is pleased to announce that Meaghan Barrett, Jacob Brown, Holly Cunliffe, Alex Kagan, Amy Marcen-Gaudaur, Dasha Peregoudova, Stefan Radovanovich, Russell Sanders and Leah Silber have bec... -
TheSpotlight
Federal Court Denies Equitable Relief for Failure to Diligently Prosecute a Patent
The Federal Court recently found that patentees may be denied equitable remedies in a patent infringement action if they fail to diligently prosecute their patents. In certain circumstances, the failu... -
News Item
2022 Edition of Doing Business in Canada Now Available!
Aird & Berlis is pleased to present the 2022 edition of Doing Business in Canada. This publication was developed to provide a general overview of Canadian federal and Ontario law, and is intended for ... -
Firm News
88 Aird & Berlis Lawyers Recognized in The Best Lawyers in Canada 2023
Aird & Berlis is proud to announce that 88 members of the firm were selected by their peers for inclusion in the 2023 edition of The Best Lawyers in Canada. The firm is recognized across 43 practice ... -
TheSpotlight
Supreme Court of Canada Recognizes ‘Making Available’ Right
In the recent Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada v. Entertainment Software Association, 2022 SCC 30 decision, the Supreme Court of Canada recognized that copyright owners may...