MLSE (Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment) - Cardano Initiative to Revolutionize Team Operations

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Alex Chalmers

[GENERAL] Are you delivering this project as an individual or as an entity (whether formally incorporated or not)

Entity (Incorporated)

[GENERAL] Please specify how many months you expect your project to last (from 2-12 months)

4

[GENERAL] Please indicate if your proposal has been auto-translated into English from another language

No

[GENERAL] Summarize your solution to the problem (200-character limit including spaces)

MLSE seeks Cardano's secure, scalable blockchain for sports use cases. Their tech department aims to leverage Cardano's decentralized infrastructure for innovative applications in the sports industry.

[GENERAL] Does your project have any dependencies on other organizations, technical or otherwise?

No

[GENERAL] If YES, please describe what the dependency is and why you believe it is essential for your project’s delivery. If NO, please write “No dependencies.”

No dependencies

[GENERAL] Will your project’s output/s be fully open source?

No

[GENERAL] Please provide here more information on the open source status of your project outputs

While the materials will be proprietary to protect our intellectual property and maintain the value of our offering, we will share general insights and case studies with the broader Cardano community to foster ecosystem growth.

[METADATA] Horizons

Learn to Earn

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

The proposed solution is to launch a comprehensive initiative that educates and integrates a major sports team with Cardano's blockchain technology. This involves conducting in-depth needs analyzes to understand the team's specific challenges and readiness for blockchain adoption and developing tailored materials and workshops for the sports team. The goal is to bridge the knowledge gap in blockchain technology within the sports industry, drive innovation, enhance fan engagement, create new revenue opportunities, and foster long-term collaboration and growth for both the sports organization and the Cardano ecosystem.

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION: 

Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment Ltd. (MLSE) is a professional sports and commercial real estate company based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 

MLSE is one of the world's premier sports and entertainment companies, owns the Toronto Maple Leafs (NHL), Toronto Raptors (NBA), Toronto FC (MLS), Toronto Argonauts (CFL), Toronto Marlies (AHL), Raptors 905 (NBA G League), TFC II (MLS Next Pro) and Raptors Uprising Gaming Club, the Toronto Raptors esports franchise in the NBA 2K League. 

Its charitable arm, MLSE Foundation, focuses on funding initiatives to support youth through sport and recreational programs. In 2017 MLSE Foundation, with support of community and corporate partners, built MLSE LaunchPad, a 42,000-sq. ft. space dedicated to programming that supports its four Pillars: Healthy Body, Healthy Mind, Ready For School and Ready For Work. 

MLSE also owns and operates Scotiabank Arena, Canada’s premier sports and entertainment venue hosting more than 200+ events each year and has a partnership with Live Nation - the largest concert promoter in the world. 

MLSE has also invested in and operates five of Toronto's sports facilities – Coca-Cola Coliseum, BMO Field, BMO Training Grounds at Downsview Park, home of Toronto FC II, TFC Academy and the First Team's practice facility, OVO Athletic Centre, the practice facility for the Toronto Raptors and Ford Performance Centre for Hockey Excellence, the practice facility for the Maple Leafs and Marlies.

The MLSE Digital Labs (https://www.mlsedigital.com/) is set up as an innovation organization that unites business strategy and digital strategy and works with our teams to build competitive advantages through technology capabilities. They work across MLSE business operations and front office and work with third party organizations to drive innovative solutions across MLSE. Their mandate is end-to-end delivery starting with top level strategy and continuing through product design and to detailed technical development and deployment

MLSE has some of the largest Canadian and international brands partnered across its sports including Adidas, Air Canada, Bell, BMO, FOrd, Coca-Cola, Diageo, Canadian Tire, IBM, Mastercard, LG, Rogers, Scotiabank, SportCheck

Our solution is to create a specialized initiative focused on blockchain technology for MLSE to increase their current maturity. This program will:

1. Develop materials tailored to the sports industry & focused to MLSE
2. Conduct workshops and seminars for MLSE
3. Provide one-on-one consultations to MLSE to address specific needs and questions
4. Create case studies and proof-of-concepts to demonstrate practical applications
5. Establish a greater network of sports industry professionals interested in Blockchain adoption with Cardano
6. Identify MLSE’s needs and potential use of Cardano blockchain technology 
7. Create an analysis of Cardano based solutions that can match MLSE needs and suggest steps for integration

We will leverage Stadia's industry connections and Cardano's blockchain expertise to deliver high-quality, relevant content. The program will cover topics such as decentralization, transparency, tokenization, enhanced security, and fan engagement through blockchain technologies.

We will collaborate with key companies in the ecosystem such as NMKR, stuff.io, Neucast.io, Andamio to develop the best use cases for Sport teams.

Our approach is unique as it focuses on understanding the needs and offering concrete use cases without initial sales pressure, allowing MLSE to make more informed decisions about blockchain adoption and further develop or enhance their strategy. This initiative will benefit the entire Cardano ecosystem by driving mid/long-term users & adoption in a significant global industry.

In 2025, we additionally plan to organize a minimum of one (1) panel discussions featuring Cardano alongside MLSE leadership to showcase its work, approach, and philosophy within the sector. This will drive the conversation to companies/brands in the Sports industry.

By engaging MLSE, as the initial organization - over time we aim to foster a thriving ecosystem that empowers blockchain innovation in the sports sector.

We are piloting an innovative go to market approach that will be tailored for Canadian sports teams with multi-sports teams that can be used as an example for other teams across North America.

Please see this additional link to why we believe Cardano is already setup for Sports: LINK HERE

[IMPACT] Please define the positive impact your project will have on the wider Cardano community

Our project will have several positive impacts on the Cardano community:

1. Increased adoption: By educating MLSE about blockchain, we'll drive adoption of Cardano technology in a major sports market.
2. Enhanced reputation: Positioning Cardano as the go-to blockchain for sports innovation will boost its reputation and visibility. 
3. New use cases: Working with MLSE will lead to the development of new, industry-specific use cases for Cardano technology.
4. Ecosystem growth: As MLSE adopt Cardano, it will attract developers, startups, and other stakeholders to the ecosystem.
5. Thought leadership: Significant PR is achievable through links to events globally, opportunity to establish panels, keynotes & white papers to be shared in the market.
6. Community Build: Empower the Cardano community to create innovative solutions for challenges identified within these specific sports events.

We will measure impact through:

• Increase in sports-related projects on Cardano
• Growth in sports-related transactions on the Cardano blockchain
• The number of Cardano Dapps that can be relevant for collaboration with the Sport industry
• Ability to build a roadmap for implementation with MLSE
• Impact of PR activities and communication  
• Innovation problem solving technologies from Cardano community

We'll share our findings through regular reports, case studies, and presentations at Cardano events, ensuring the wider community benefits from our insights.

[CAPABILITY & FEASIBILITY] What is your capability to deliver your project with high levels of trust and accountability? How do you intend to validate if your approach is feasible?

Our team combines Stadia's deep sports industry expertise with Cardano's blockchain knowledge, positioning us uniquely to deliver this project. Key capabilities include:

1. Extensive network: Strong relationships with sports teams, leagues, and rights holders globally.
2. Industry expertise: In-depth understanding of sports business and technology needs.
3. Blockchain proficiency: Comprehensive knowledge of Cardano and blockchain technologies.
4. Educational experience: Track record of delivering complex technical concepts to non-technical audiences.
5. Adaptability: Our team has demonstrated the ability to pivot and adjust project plans in response to changing circumstances or client needs, ensuring project continuity and success

By focusing on real-world use cases of the technologies being built within the Cardano ecosystem, we aim to empower developers and foster broader adoption. To ensure trust and accountability throughout the project, we will:

1. Implement a transparent reporting system for fund usage, with regular financial updates to all stakeholders
2. Provide bi-weekly progress reports to the Cardano community, detailing project advancements and challenges
3. Engage third-party auditors to verify our progress and financial management, ensuring complete transparency
4. Establish clear KPIs for each phase of the project, allowing for objective measurement of success

Through this initiative, we are committed to enhancing the Cardano ecosystem as a whole, creating valuable opportunities for collaboration and growth across the sports industry.

[PROJECT MILESTONES] What are the key milestones you need to achieve in order to complete your project successfully?

Curriculum Development

• Develop innovative materials on blockchain and Cardano specific to MLSE requirements.
• Create a detailed syllabus covering key blockchain concepts and applications in sports
• Compile a list of 10 Cardano DApps and their relevance for the sports industry.

Acceptance criteria: Completed initiative and DApp list reviewed and approved by Cardano Foundation

Program Launch

• Conduct initial workshops with MLSE sports department
• Deliver a series of workshops and interactive sessions on blockchain in sports
• Gather feedback from participants and refine materials

Acceptance criteria: Successful completion of workshops and positive participant feedback

Industry-Specific Case Studies

• Develop 5 detailed case studies of potential blockchain applications in sports
• Create hypothetical scenarios demonstrating Cardano's utility in sports industry
• Produce videos explaining each case study

Acceptance criteria: Published case studies and accompanying materials

Project Evaluation and Future Planning

• Compile comprehensive report on educational outcomes and lessons learned
• Develop recommendations for future blockchain education in sports industry
• Create a long-term strategy for continued blockchain adoption in sports
• Acceptance criteria: Delivery of final report, recommendations, and strategy approved by Cardano Community

At the conclusion of of the period we will also consider the following next steps;

Next Steps: Knowledge Expansion

• Extend program to at least 2 additional sports organization in following submission
• Conduct webinars on blockchain in sports open to wider sports community
• Create an online resource hub for sports professionals interested in blockchain

Acceptance criteria: Successful engagement with additional organizations and launch of resource hub

[RESOURCES] Who is in the project team and what are their roles?

Alex Chalmers (Stadia) - Project Lead

LinkedIn: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/chalmersalex/]

Role: Overall project management, sports industry liaison

BIO: Managing Partner @ Stadia with over 20 years of experience in marketing, business development, and commercial sponsorships in the sports industry. Worked with athletes, teams, leagues, brands and federations. Now with a focus on emerging technologies such as AI, data analytics, and blockchain as well as Human Potential. Based in the Netherlands.

David Parrish (Stadia) - Blockchain Specialist

LinkedIn: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-p-047635b0/]

Role: Manage communications and build community among participating sports organizations

BIO: David is the Co-Founder of Vertex Labs, specializing in blockchain, metaverse, Web3, and AI infrastructure. His portfolio includes Vertex Network, Caduceus L1 Blockchain, LightCycle Metaverse, HAPE NFT and M4TTER Incubator. Previously, he was COO at an offshore boutique private bank and a Senior Partner at a leading hedge fund in London. He also served as Senior Director of Private Equity and Mergers and Acquisitions at a private Asia multi-family office.

Joe Batchelor (Stadia) - Blockchain Technology Expert

LinkedIn: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-batchelor-10091979/]

Role: Identify and develop sports-specific use cases for Web3 technologies

BIO: An Investment Strategist specializing in Technology across Hardware, Software, Consumer and Internet, Public and Private Equity, servicing many of the world’s top Traditional and Alternative Investment Managers for the last 20 years. His language, network and cultural experiences (Mandarin, Japanese) allow him to build expansion strategies, connect East and West Corporates and Multi Family Office networks, focused on alternatives opportunities, in the Sports-Esports, Web 3, Digital Assets and Wellness high growth verticals.

Art Chou (Stadia) - Sports Innovation Advisor and Market Liaison

LinkedIn: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/artchou/]

Role: Provide guidance for sports applications

BIO: Based in the US with over thirty years experience as a lead Product/Innovation executive at industry leaders like Rawlings, Titleist, and Golf Digest. C-suite founder/managing partner for Rapsodo and Stadia Ventures.

Cardano ecosystem & community engagements - coordinating and onboarding

We are in contact with Emurgo (Sheldon Hunt), Bridgebuilders and various Cardano ambassadors (Yoram Ben Zvi, Nori Nishigaya) and once funded will onboard the best resources for the various tasks

1. Blockchain Education Specialist 
2. key DApps 
3. Key ecosystem partners
4. Content creation

We have already engaged with these team members and confirmed their availability and commitment to the project.

We also started research and in discussion with multiple Cardano DApps and there is high interest from the ecosystem. We will also attend the Cardano Summit Dubai as a speaker.

[BUDGET & COSTS] Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources

Total budget: 150,000 ADA

1. Personnel costs: 64,000 ADA
2. Materials development: 15,000 ADA
3. Curriculum creation: 7,500 ADA
4. Workshop and seminar expenses: 18,000 ADA
5. Travel & expenses: 22,000 ADA
6. Venue rentals: 4,500 ADA
7. Technology and tools: 3,000 ADA
8. Software licenses: 2,000 ADA
9. Marketing and promotion: 7,500 ADA
10. Digital marketing: 2,000 ADA
11. Legal and professional services: 2,000 ADA
12. Contingency fund: 2,500 ADA

Here is how the cost is broken down to the above stated milestones;

Milestone 1: Curriculum Development - 55,000 ADA

• Develop comprehensive materials: 35,000 ADA
• Create detailed syllabus: 15,000 ADA
• Compile list of 10 Cardano DApps: 5,000 ADA

Milestone 2: Program Launch - 50,000 ADA

• Conduct initial workshops with MLSE: 30,000 ADA
• Deliver workshop series: 15,000 ADA
• Gather and implement feedback: 5,000 ADA

Milestone 3: Industry-Specific Case Studies - 35,000 ADA

• Develop 5 detailed case studies: 20,000 ADA
• Create hypothetical scenarios: 5,000 ADA
• Produce videos: 2,500 ADA

Final Milestone: Project Evaluation and Future Planning - 10,000 ADA

• Compile comprehensive report: 4,000 ADA
• Develop recommendations: 3,000 ADA
• Create long-term strategy: 3,000 ADA
• PR & Marketing Activities: 7,500 ADA

Total: 150,000 ADA

[VALUE FOR MONEY] How does the cost of the project represent value for money for the Cardano ecosystem?

The Cardano ecosystem stands to gain significant value from this sports-focused initiative, particularly in empowering its developer community to create real-world solutions with global impact. Here's how the community specifically benefits:

• Unlocking New Opportunities for Developers

By providing access to a high-profile sports organization, this project opens up a new vertical for Cardano developers to explore and innovate within. Developers gain the opportunity to create solutions for real-world challenges in the sports industry, from fan engagement to ticketing, athlete data management and daily operational efficiency.

• Enhancing Ecosystem Growth and Adoption

MLSE’s massive global following presents an unparalleled opportunity for ecosystem growth. As developers create solutions tailored to sports use cases, it attracts new users, stakeholders, and partners to the Cardano ecosystem, driving adoption and increasing the platform's utility.

• Fostering Innovation Through Real-World Application

This initiative provides developers with direct access to industry insights and requirements, fostering innovation grounded in practical needs. This real-world focus ensures that the solutions built on Cardano address genuine market demands, increasing their potential for success and adoption.

• Showcasing Cardano's Technical Capabilities

By developing solutions for the sports industry, and in this instance MLSE, developers can demonstrate Cardano's unique technical advantages, such as its scalability, security, and native asset functionality. This practical showcase can attract more developers and projects to the ecosystem.

• Creating New Revenue Streams

As sports organizations adopt Cardano-based solutions, it creates new revenue opportunities for developers through project commissions, ongoing maintenance, and potential profit-sharing models. This financial incentive further motivates developer engagement and innovation within the ecosystem.

• Building a Specialized Knowledge Base

The educational aspect of this initiative helps build a specialized knowledge base within the Cardano community, creating a pool of developers with expertise in blockchain applications for sports. This specialized knowledge becomes a valuable asset for the ecosystem, attracting more sports-related projects and partnerships.

By focusing on the sports industry, and initially with MLSE, this project not only empowers Cardano's developer community but also positions the ecosystem at the forefront of a major global industry's transition to Blockchain technology integration. This strategic approach ensures long-term value creation for both the Cardano ecosystem and its developer community, driving meaningful innovation and real-world impact.

Collaborating with MLSE will significantly boost Cardano's PR and marketing, enhancing its visibility and credibility among millions of sports fans worldwide. This high-profile association would position Cardano as an innovative leader in sports technology, attracting new developers, investors, and users, and showcasing its potential for real-world applications and widespread adoption.