Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP fields a strong sports law practice that advises Canadian sports leagues on the full gamut of sports-related issues. Typical matters include assisting with league expansions and team relocations, advising on financing and constructing sports venues, brand management, licensing and broadcasting regulations. The team also leverages the firm’s expertise in corporate and commercial transactions as well as tax and employment to advise sports sector clients. The team has assisted with a wide range of sporting tournaments and events for various sports including football, hockey, basketball and American football. Josh Jones leads the Toronto practice and is a tax specialist who advises professional and amateur sports leagues and international sports organizations on their operations in Canada. Jeffrey Shafer advises sports clients on structuring and disputing transfer pricing matters, while David Kruse handles corporate issues.
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Key clients
- BCE/ Bell Canada
- Professional Women’s Hockey League
Work highlights
Advised BCE on the C$4.7bn sale of its ownership stake in Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE) to Rogers Communications.
Advised The Walter Group on the acquisition of assets and formation of the new Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL).
Practice head
Josh Jones
Other key lawyers
Jeffrey Shafer; David Kruse