Drake Expands Toronto Raptors Partnership

The OVO-NBA connection grows. Drake is joining forces with his hometown Toronto Raptors for an elevated partnership, which will include charitable contributions and six OVO-themed home games this season.

As part of this Welcome Toronto initiative, the Raptors and OVO have pledged $1 million over the next three years to renovate local community basketball courts, according to the NBA. Over the next five years, they also plan to donate $2 million to Canada Basketball.

“As this team and Toronto continues to grow, we have seen how much we can do together,” said the 6 God. “Welcome Toronto is about celebrating our team and our city, but also working together to give back to the community and creating a place where the youth of our city can come together to play. These same courts could also potentially shape the next generation of Canadian basketball superstars.”

Recently, the Raps unveiled alternate black-and-gold uniforms to match the OVO theme. A court featuring the same colorway has also been unveiled as part of the initiative.

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Fans can look forward to six OVO-themed Welcome Toronto games this season, including Jan. 26 (vs. Utah Jazz), Jan. 28 (vs. Los Angeles Lakers), Feb. 2 (vs. Portland Trail Blazers), March 9 (vs. Houston Rockets), March 23 (vs. Brooklyn Nets), and April 6 (vs. Indiana Pacers).

Drake has a longstanding relationship with the hometown b-ball squad. In 2013, he was named the Raptors’ global ambassador and he continues to host an annual “Drake Night” with the team.