Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Future of Sport Lab (FSL)?

FSL is at the forefront of sport innovation through: creative research and innovation partnerships, applied research and needs assessments to identify emerging opportunities and solve real-world problems, research forums to bring together experts to identify emerging trends and solve practical sector challenges, and the development of complementary sport business programming at the Ted Rogers School of Management.      

What is the goal of collaboration?

The objective of the FSL is to create a sport business ecosystem anchored by sport innovation and entrepreneurship, from connecting students, entrepreneurs and experts with premier Canadian sport properties and partners, to broadly supporting and fostering innovative sport business solutions and technologies as well as related insights and education.

Who is running the FSL?

The FSL is managed by Toronto Metropolitan University and supported by the DMZ under the direction of Cheri L. Bradish, Founding Manager/Director, FSL & Ted Rogers Director of Sport Business Initiatives, Toronto Metropolitan University.

Are there any other academic partners?

Yes. While Toronto Metropolitan University is the academic lead, there will be opportunities for other research labs and institutions to take part.

How do sport and academics mix in the lab?

The intersection of sport and research/academics will play out in a multitude of ways at the FSL, including:
Applied research and needs assessments to identify emerging opportunities and solve real-world problems through team-based projects and new enterprises.

• Applied research and needs assessments to identify emerging opportunities and solve real-world problems through team-based projects and new enterprises.
• Annual insight challenges, including hackathons and competitions to produce innovation solutions.
• Hosting of hospitality nights to showcase projects and activities.
• Research forums to bring together experts to identify emerging trends and challenges as well as leading practices globally, including forums featuring cross-functional speakers from industry leaders and teams to identify opportunities and challenges for FSL members.
• Development of complementary sport business programming at the Ted Rogers School of Management.

What opportunities will there be for students?

The opportunities for students include internships, professional development, integration in classes and projects, opportunities for direct mentorship and assistance with sport entrepreneurship concepts.

How does this collaboration compare with others in the sport innovation space in North America and other parts of the world?

The FSL offers access to more teams, more venues, more fans, more industry partners and more academic experts than any other sport innovation ecosystem in North America.

Where can I learn more?

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What is Relay Ventures?

Relay Ventures, founded in 2008, is one of Canada’s leading independent VC fund managers. The Firm is presently investing out of its fifth fund, which commenced in 2022. It has invested in more than 130 companies and successfully exited more than half through M&A and IPO. The Firm has a team of 20 professionals with offices in Toronto, Calgary and San Francisco. Relay was involved in theScore’s $2 billion sale to PENN Entertainment — the largest transaction ever recorded for a Canadian Sports Tech company — and Playmaker’s $188 million sale to Better Collective.