Esports

Goodmans has been at the forefront of the evolving global sports industry, including in the burgeoning esports sector.  We have unparalleled experience in Canada advising leaders in the sports and gaming sectors and are the trusted counsel to operators of sports betting exchanges and to Toronto’s professional sports teams in the NBA, NHL and MLS. 

Our lawyers have acted for the ownership group in connection with purchasing esports franchises in the largest and most renowned leagues in the world, including the Toronto Defiant of the Overwatch (Activision Blizzard), Toronto Ultra of the Call of Duty League (Activision Blizzard), the Mad Lions and Splyce of League of Legends (Riot Games), and a new team-owned league for CSGO (Counter Strike Global Offensive) called B Site. 

With over 20 years of involvement in negotiations and advocacy before the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), Goodmans was instrumental in the design of the AGCO’s iGaming framework to establish this new competitive market in Ontario.  

Our practice covers the full spectrum of services required by iGaming operators seeking to take advantage of the expected growth and opportunity in Canada. We offer significant expertise in deal making, government relations and the advocacy necessary to operate an iGaming business in Ontario.  

We are intimately familiar with the key components of the AGCO’s iGaming agreements, including data & gaming system requirements, marketing & product offerings, licensing & regulation and revenue collection. We have a deep understanding of the policy and regulatory landscape governing this sector.