Jim Lawson appointed vice chair of Hamilton Sports Group

HAMILTON — Jim Lawson was appointed vice chair of Hamilton Sports Group Partnership (HSG) on Friday.

HSG owns and operates the CFL’s Hamilton Tiger-Cats and the Canadian Premier League’s Forge while also overseeing the Hamilton Sports Group Foundation and the master license agreement for Hamilton Stadium.

Lawson is also a minority owner of HSG, an organization that was formed in 2022 and also includes Bob Young, Stelco and sports executives Scott Mitchell and former Ticats player/business partner Marwan Hage.

Young remains chair while Mitchell continues as managing partner.

“Jim has been a tremendous partner since joining our ownership group and his expanded role as vice chair will strengthen our ability to further grow Hamilton Sports Group in the years ahead,” Mitchell said in a statement. “His experience as a sports executive, his business acumen, and his personal ties to the region make him an invaluable voice at the table as we continue building long-term success for our teams, our fans, and our city.”

Lawson has deep ties with football in Hamilton.

His father, Mel, played quarterback for the 1943 Grey Cup-champion Hamilton Flying Wildcats. He scored the winning touchdown and at the age of 20 became the youngest quarterback to ever win the title.

Lawson’s grandfather, Charles, owned the Wildcats in the 1940s and was a key figure in merging the Wildcats and Hamilton Tigers to become the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in 1950.

Lawson’s uncle, Gord, also played on the first Ticats team.

Jim Lawson served as chairman of the CFL’s board of governors (2013-19) and twice as interim commissioner. He was awarded the Commissioner’s Award in 2019 and stepped down from the post shortly after to focus full-time on his role as the CEO of Woodbine Entertainment Group, a post he assumed in 2015.

Lawson stepped down as Woodbine’s CEO in 2023 to become executive chair, Woodbine Entertainment Group, a post he continues to hold.

“Hamilton has always held a special place for me and my family, both personally and through our long history with football in this city,” said Lawson. “I’m honoured to take on this role as vice chair and work with Bob, Scott, Marwan, Stelco, and our partners to drive new business opportunities for Hamilton Sports Group that will benefit our fans, our teams, and the broader community we serve.”

Mel Lawson was also involved with thoroughbred racing as the owner of Jim Dandy Stable, purchasing his first horse in 1964. His horses won 66 stakes races, impressive considering the breeding operation produced roughly two or three horses annually.

Mel Lawson was inducted into the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame in 2010 before passing away in 2011.

In 2021, Jim Lawson was inducted into the Burlington Sports Hall of Fame. He also practised law for 15 years, including partner at Torys LLP and at Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP.

Lawson has served on many private and public boards including Sleep Country Canada and Algoma Steel Inc.

Lawson is a graduate of Brown University, (A.B. Economics, magna cum laude) and University of Western Ontario (LLB). He was drafted by the NHL’s Montreal Canadiens in 1978 out of Brown University and spent two seasons with the AHL’s Nova Scotia Voyageurs before retiring to pursue a law career.

In 2018, Lawson was elected as chairman of the board by the directors of the Ontario Racing Commission. He also served as Chairman of the Jockey Club of Canada (2010-2015).

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 18, 2025.

The Canadian Press