What is Drake’s Relationship with the Toronto Raptors? Over the years, we’ve seen famous celebrities on the courtside during NBA games supporting their favorite teams. Some are more consistent than others and one of the few celebrities we’ve seen in most NBA games is the Canadian rapper Drake.
Drake is a lover of basketball and even a bigger fan of the Toronto Raptors. What is his relationship with the Raptors? Why is he present in most of their games? You’re about to find the answers to these questions in this video.
Drake has become synonymous with the Toronto Raptors.
Thanks to his antics on the courtside. There are many things you probably don’t know about his passion for basketball and the Raptors. First, Drake was born and brought up in Toronto and that explains a lot why he’s so committed to the team. And in 2013, the team announced Drake as their new “global ambassador” for the Toronto Raptors.
This goes to show that Drake is more than a fan but an important figure to the Raptors. Again, the close relationship between Drake and the Raptors can be seen in the influence of the design of their jerseys. The partnership between Drake and the Raptors extends to his brand OVO (October’s Very Own) and this can be seen in the black and gold jerseys. More than being a “global ambassador”, Drake is probably one of the biggest fans of the Raptors right now.
Whenever he’s on the sideline, he brings so much energy that even the opponents can’t help but notice. He engages with the Raptors’ players and he gives them his unreserved support all the time. And, of course, he sometimes shows his support for the Raptors by trolling the other team. This has been a point of controversy and his courtside antics have also caught the attention of the NBA. While the NBA recognize how important he is to the Raptors, they gave him a warning that there are some boundaries he shouldn’t cross.
Furthermore, his support for the team goes beyond the court as he also creates media content to promote the team. Although there are times when his action has been costly. In 2014, for instance, he turned himself into an unofficial Raptor recruiter by publicly commenting on Kevin Durant’s free agency. The Raptors were fined $25,000 for this action but that didn’t affect their relationship in any way.
In fact, the Raptors’ practice facility was renamed as OVE Athletic Center. This shows the huge impact of his relationship with the team. There is no doubt that the presence of Drake has a major influence on some of the placers. From motivating them when they are on the court to giving them reasons why they ought to stay with the team. He is also creating an identity for the fans making them proud of where they come from.
