Drake pictured with Raptors President/GM Masai Ujiri and MLSE CEO/Ppresident Tim Leiweke
Posted by | Ray Cornelius
The Toronto Sun is reporting that the city’s NBA team, The Toronto Raptors have been selected to host the coveted NBA All-Star game in 2016. This will be the first all-star game played outside the U.S. and will take place on February 14, 2016.
“I was really thrilled to learn Toronto would be hosting the 2016 NBA All-Star Game,” says Toronto Mayor Rob Ford. “This is absolutely fantastic news, fantastic news for the City of Toronto … the NDP All-Star is one of the most anticipated sporting events of the year. It brings the world’s most talented players to a global audience.”
In anticipation of the game, the Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment has named the city’s native son, hip-hop star Drake as their official global ambassador. He will use his celebrity to help create excitement for the home team, who is said to be “undergoing an image and re-branding within the next two seasons.”
“I just really want excitement for this team,” Drake said. “I want us to be one of the biggest teams in the league. I have a lot of friends in the NBA, but the opportunity to be a part of this NBA franchise at home has me more excited because it’s the team that represents where I’m from.”
According to the MLSE, a week-long schedule of activities will take place prior to the game including concerts, fashion shows, films and lots of food. City officials are hoping all the excitement will make Toronto the basketball capital of the world.
Congrats to The Raptors and Drake!
Photo Credit: TorontoSun.com