The Toronto Raptors have been looking for a new home for the 2020-21 season after the Canadian government denied them the ability to play home games at Scotiabank Arena.
It appears they have found that new home.
Raptors president Masai Ujiri released a statement saying the Raptors will play home games in Tampa, Florida.
Ujiri stressed the team worked with the Canadian government to find solutions that would allow the Raptors to still play in Toronto. However, after much deliberation, it was determined the team would seek alternatives. So, Tampa it is, at least for next season.
Statement from Raptors president Masai Ujiri: pic.twitter.com/SuZWVxD3HL
— Josh Lewenberg (@JLew1050) November 20, 2020
It always seemed likely the Raptors would have to play in the United States. The Canadian government took a similar approach with respect to the Toronto Blue Jays during the summer.
Considering public health experts have cautioned about increased rates of COVID-19 in the winter months—paired with the fact the U.S. is the country suffering the most from the pandemic—the Raptors needed to have other options lined up.
There were a number of other cities on the table. These included Newark, New Jersey and Kansas City, Missouri. The Raptors also grappled with sharing the Barclays Center along with the Brooklyn Nets, and Seattle nearly had a pseudo home team.
However, the Raptors are landing in Tampa, which might be a fortuitous destination. The Tampa Bay Lightning won the Stanley Cup this past season, while the Tampa Bay Rays made it to the World Series.
Superstition aside, the Raptors still figure into the Eastern Conference picture next year. But they will swap out their Toronto home due to the pandemic.
Follow Us
Subscribe