Drake's love for the struggling Toronto Raptors NBA franchise is about to bounce from fandom to a more official role, with the team announcing today (September 30) that Drizzy's involved in a new rebranding campaign.
This morning a press conference had the team announcing that they've hired Drake on as a global ambassador for the b-ball team, no doubt in hopes to give the team an image boost. They also announced that they'll be hosting the NBA All-Star Game in 2016, and Drake will apparently be a big part of the Raptors' rebranding.
"I want excitement for this team. I want them to be one of the biggest teams in this league," said Drake, who is a season ticket holder, during the press conference. "Everywhere I go I preach the gospel that is the city of Toronto, I love this city with all my heart."
Raptors general manager Masai Ujiri added, "This is remarkable for our basketball team. We have a responsibility to grow our basketball team so it meets the momentum of the all-star game. This is awesome for the fans and awesome for the city."
The team also announced that they'll introduce a new colour scheme in the 2015-2016 season, though not a name change. Considering the fervour over OVO's limited-edition Blue Jays gear, it's not impossible to consider a merchandise crossover will be in the works as well.
The team, meanwhile, have their work cut out for them. Last season, the Raptors were ranked at the bottom of the Eastern Conference's Atlantic division, closing out the year with a record of 34-48.
You can watch today's press conference over here on CBC.
This morning a press conference had the team announcing that they've hired Drake on as a global ambassador for the b-ball team, no doubt in hopes to give the team an image boost. They also announced that they'll be hosting the NBA All-Star Game in 2016, and Drake will apparently be a big part of the Raptors' rebranding.
"I want excitement for this team. I want them to be one of the biggest teams in this league," said Drake, who is a season ticket holder, during the press conference. "Everywhere I go I preach the gospel that is the city of Toronto, I love this city with all my heart."
Raptors general manager Masai Ujiri added, "This is remarkable for our basketball team. We have a responsibility to grow our basketball team so it meets the momentum of the all-star game. This is awesome for the fans and awesome for the city."
The team also announced that they'll introduce a new colour scheme in the 2015-2016 season, though not a name change. Considering the fervour over OVO's limited-edition Blue Jays gear, it's not impossible to consider a merchandise crossover will be in the works as well.
The team, meanwhile, have their work cut out for them. Last season, the Raptors were ranked at the bottom of the Eastern Conference's Atlantic division, closing out the year with a record of 34-48.
You can watch today's press conference over here on CBC.
