Lazarus Esports, a Canadian multigaming esports organisation, has joined forces with SheIS, a not-for-profit group, to shine a spotlight on women’s esports.

“It’s like the Winnie the Pooh and Piglet in a windstorm trying to hold the umbrella down, because it’s taken off so phenomenally,” Brenda Andress, the president and founder of SheIS said.

The SheIS Collective includes the National Women’s Soccer League, WNBA and other women’s leagues as well as the United States Tennis Association, Rugby Canada and Baseball Canada, among other organisations. They meet to find ways to celebrate women’s sports and athletes and share each other’s accomplishments.

Many may wonder why men and women do not just play in the same league. The NBA 2K League took a step forward when Chicago’s Chiquita Evans became the league’s first female pro, drafted in the fourth round by Warriors Gaming, which is operated by the Golden State Warriors.

Female gamers have also competed alongside men in the past in the Call of Duty and other leagues, Tidal Games CEO Charlie Watson said.

“There’s still a lot of work to be done in the industry to merge men and women, co-ed, on the same teams,” he added.

But he believes it is just a matter of time before “those two worlds … collide” and more co-ed teams emerge.

Ontario’s conservative government has presented its 2019 provincial budget, which details the plans to end the current online gambling monopoly. The budget includes the government’s wish to establish a competitive market for the online gambling industry which includes casino-style gaming and sports betting. The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLGC) is currently the only operator that can offer iGaming through the playOGA.ca website.

Gary Bettman, commissioner of the National Hockey League (NHL), said that he supports the government’s initiative. “There are two NHL franchises in Ontario and two right on the border with the US. [Therefore] Ontario is a very important market for the NHL,” Bettman said. “Accordingly, the NHL does not object to the Province of Ontario’s initiative to offer single event wagering when it is permitted.”

Canadian singer The Weeknd has invested in OverActive Media, Canada’s first professional esports ownership group. The terms of the investment were not disclosed, but it would appear that The Weeknd will be contributing to some marketing efforts and building brand awareness around Splyce and the Toronto Defiant.

“Abel’s standing in the music industry will provide our Toronto Defiant and Splyce brands the opportunity to reach more fans and engage new audiences,” said OAM CEO and president Chris Overholt.

The release also mentions that Toronto Defiant fans will see “unique joint efforts” with The Weeknd throughout the 2019 Overwatch League seasons.

The Weeknd said: As a big esports fan, I am really excited to be involved in this project. I am looking forward to collaborating with OverActive Media in unique and innovative ways.