Toronto to host 2016 NBA All-Star Game

Monday was a big day for Canadian basketball fans. The country’s only NBA team has made it official, the Toronto Raptors will be hosting the 2016 All-Star game. But the team didn’t stop making news with that. The Raptors also announced that rapper “Drake” will be the team’s new global ambassador. Kelda Yuen has more on Monday’s announcements and what it could mean for the struggling team.

It may still be three years away but Canadian basketball fans have reason to rejoice.

NBA Deputy Commissioner Adam Silver made the announcement: “It is my privilege to announce that the 2016 NBA All-Star game will be hosted here in Toronto, Canada. Toronto, for that week, will be the absolute basketball capital of the world.”

Toronto Raptors General Manager Masai Ujiri agrees: “We have now a responsibility to grow our basketball team so that it meets the momentum of the all-star game.”

Toronto Mayor Rob Ford was also at the announcement, saying that all-star week will generate an estimated $100 million for the city: “This is an amazing opportunity to drive economic growth while showcasing our vibrant city on the world stage.”

Sitting alongside the mayor was rapper Drake: “I think I speak for everyone in this city when I say I cannot wait for all-star 2016 and I can’t wait for the Toronto Raptors and the growth that are dedicated to.”

The rapper was introduced as the Raptors’ global ambassador, a role that will see him acting as a host, business partner and consultant for the struggling team: “I’m in touch with what they want to see. I really just want excitement for this team.”

Tim Leiweke is the President and CEO for Maple Leafs Sports and Entertainment: “We want to activate him in the thinking of what kind of buzz, what kind of brand, what kind of logo and what kind of future we create for this organization.”

Today’s announcement at the ACC comes at a high time for basketball in Canada. Brampton’s Anthony Bennett became the first canadian to be drafted first overall in the NBA this year, and Vaughan’s Andrew Wiggins is the favourite to be drafted first overall in 2014. As for the Raptors? Well, they have been doing poorly for awhile now. It’s the hope of the franchise that the country’s biggest rap star can help make the team relevant again.”

Fans seem positive about the move: “He is an icon and everybody knows his music, so if that gets more people cheering for the Raps, I’m happy about that.” “Hopefully he can maybe bring some players in from the States if he could somehow.” “He is a bit of a businessman, so I think he can help in that aspect.”

With an exciting new management team, and Monday’s exciting announcement, the Raptors future may just have gotten brighter: “We’re Toronto fans, so we can’t hope for a lot, but we have to be optimistic.”

Next year’s all-star game will be held in New Orleans, and New York will host the 2015 contest.