"We were swept up on stage and cheers filled the room"
On the weekend of January 27, 2024, five Rotman Commerce students won the sixth annual Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE) Case Competition in Toronto, presented by the company’s Global Partnerships division. More than 100 teams from 15 institutions were challenged with pitching a series of integrated marketing partnerships between MLSE’s renowned sports franchises and companies within select industries. Daniel Ayik (BCom ’25), Richter Heintz (BCom ’25), Fernando Lopez (BCom ’25), Ella Olsha (BCom ’25), and Stephanie Staibano (BCom ’25) secured the first-place position.
After progressing through an online round and a subsequent live presentation at the MLSE headquarters, the team of five completed their journey with one final pitch at Toronto’s Real Sports Bar. Facing MLSE executives alongside a large crowd of employees and fellow top 20 teams, they unveiled their winning partnership proposal. Focusing on the Toronto Raptors and a Canadian confectionery company, they leveraged the Raptors’ upcoming 30th-anniversary season. Daniel emphasized the significance of aligning with a growing Canadian brand that resonated with the Raptors’ fan base.
Drawing upon their academic knowledge and skills acquired at Rotman Commerce, the team crafted a compelling proposal that seamlessly integrated financial analysis, marketing strategies, and effective communication tactics. They targeted specific demographics and audiences to ensure resonance and impact. This approach allowed them to not only meet the competition’s requirements but also exceed expectations.
Stephanie Staibano (BCom ‘25)“Winning the competition was like something out of a movie! The rush of excitement when they called our names, the cheers filling the room, being swept up onto the stage for pictures, and receiving amazing swag bags – it was all so surreal. And to top it off, getting my very first signed jersey made it extra special!”
The journey to victory was not without challenges. The competition spanned three months, requiring the team to adapt to virtual and independent work settings. Daniel explained, “Our team captain, Ella, [led the team for] the better half of the competition from Australia! Consistent meetings and creating a group chat for constant dialogue early in the competition ensured open communication and helped overcome collaboration challenges.”
In addition to their demanding schedules, they navigated competition rounds alongside exams in December, a challenge they effectively managed despite their other commitments to extracurriculars and academics.
Through this enriching experience, the team was able to not only learn more about the sports industry but also develop their skills and learn from diverse perspectives. Stephanie shared, “Participating in this case competition highlighted the importance of teamwork and collaboration. A key driver of our success resulted from leveraging the diverse perspectives within our team and actively seeking input from our mentor, Sehaj Bhachu [Account Manager, Global Partnerships at MLSE].”
When reflecting on their experience, the team offered several pieces of advice. Fernando advised, “Case competitions can be intense, but remember to enjoy the process. The experience, knowledge gained, and friendships forged can be just as valuable as winning”.
Additionally, Richter offered further insightful guidance for students.
Richter Heintz (BCom ’25)“If you are considering participating in a case competition, I would say to go all-in. You will gain significantly more from the experience if you give it your very best effort to succeed …To succeed, I think you need to ‘go against the grain’ and differentiate yourself by doing something different that no one else would think to do—this is the only way to stand out.”
Clearly, the achievements of Daniel, Richter, Fernando, Ella, and Stephanie highlight the importance of collaboration, commitment, and creativity. Their journey further emphasizes the importance of seizing opportunities and embracing the process, as it leads to both personal and professional development. Thus, whether it’s next year’s MLSE competition or another endeavour, this winning team would advise you to get involved and embrace the chance to learn, grow, and find success.
By Sonia Singh
