Scott O’Neil is currently the CEO of Merlin Entertainment, a global leader in branded entertainment destinations, servicing over 60 million guests every year. Formerly Scott was the CEO of Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment, owner and operator of the Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Devils, esports organization Dignitas, and venture capital fund Sixers Innovation Lab. Scott has also served as President of Madison Square Garden Sports, overseeing the New York Knicks and New York Rangers. O’Neil also spent seven years as the Senior Vice President of the NBA’s Team Marketing and Business Operations group. Earlier in his career, O’Neil served as the President of HoopsTV.com, served as Vice President of Sales for the Philadelphia Eagles, and began his career with the New Jersey Nets. He has served on the Board of Directors of Outplayed Inc., owner of U.GG (acquired by Enthusiast Gaming) and Zoomi.ai, and is a graduate of Villanova University and Harvard Business School.
John is the Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Relay Ventures, a venture capital firm with investments from start-up phase to late venture and growth capital across North America. Founded in 2008, Relay Ventures is headquartered in Toronto and has a significant presence in San Francisco. Throughout his career, John has helped entrepreneurs shape their vision and capital plans for long-term, sustainable growth. His tenure in finance spans both venture capital and private equity, where he has assisted entrepreneurs through all stages of the start-up lifecycle, from seed financing to IPO and M&A advisory. John holds the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation and received his Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the Schulich School of Business in Toronto. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of theScore, Playmaker Capital, ecobee, TouchBistro, Alate Partners, and the Centre for Aging and Brain Health Innovation, in addition to other professional and philanthropic endeavours.
Mr. Hearne has over 30 years of experience as a senior executive and board member of both private and public companies in the technology and gaming sectors. He was most recently the Chief Executive Officer and Director of Tiidal Gaming Group, the Chief Financial Officer and Director of Sportech PLC on the London Stock Exchange and the Chief Financial Officer of theScore, on the Toronto Venture Exchange. Mr. Hearne has an MBA from the Schulich School of Business and is a Chartered Public Accountant and member of CPA Ontario. Mr. Hearne has been a licensed gaming operator in the United Kingdom, and many states in the United States of America.
John Zorbas is a seasoned resource entrepreneur with extensive experience in metals exploration and development. Since June 2014, he has served as CEO of his company, while also holding key positions such as Non-executive Chairman of Management Resource Solutions PLC and President of MGM Productions Group Inc. Zorbas has also been involved with ZorCorp Capital Holdings, Starline Capital Holdings Infrastructure Fund, and Millennial Esports Corp. He was previously the CEO of Monchhichi PLC and is a founding shareholder of Asian Coast Development Ltd. He holds an Honors Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Toronto.
Jordan Gnat is a seasoned leader in digital media and sports entertainment with over 20 years of experience in gaming, media, and sports. Mr. Gnat was the founder and CEO of Playmaker Capital, a premier digital sports media company and a go-to platform for sports enthusiasts across North and Latin America prior to its sale to Better Collective in February 2024. Previously, Gnat served as Senior Vice President of International at The Stars Group, where he led business expansion initiatives and international strategy, driving substantial growth in multiple regions. Beyond his executive role, Gnat is committed to philanthropy and actively supports initiatives centered around youth engagement and community development.
Sara Slane is a distinguished leader in the casino gaming industry with over 16 years of experience. In 2019, she founded her advisory firm, driving high-impact partnerships with major leagues, teams, and media companies, including the NHL, NASCAR, PGA Tour, and more. She pioneered professional team market access deals, generating substantial revenue for stakeholders, sitting on the boards of Delaware North and Playmaker Capital, and serving as a Board Observer for GeoComply. Previously, as SVP of Public Affairs at the American Gaming Association, Slane played a key role in overturning PASPA, enabling legalized sports betting across the U.S., earning her the reputation as a leading voice in gaming. She holds numerous accolades, including Sports Business Journal’s Forty Under 40, and is a graduate of Ohio University.
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