The Toronto Raptors were founded in 1995 as part of the NBA's expansion into Canada.1)
The name “Raptors” was inspired by the popularity of Jurassic Park, released just two years earlier in 1993.2)
After the Vancouver Grizzlies relocated to Memphis, the Raptors became the only Canadian team in the NBA.3)
The Raptors' first-ever draft pick was Damon Stoudamire, selected 7th overall in 1995.4)
Damon Stoudamire won the NBA Rookie of the Year in 1996—Toronto’s first major award.5)
The Raptors played their early home games at the SkyDome (now Rogers Centre), a stadium shared with the Toronto Blue Jays.6)
Their current home is the Scotiabank Arena, formerly known as the Air Canada Centre, since 1999.7)
Vince Carter became a global phenomenon and dunking icon in the early 2000s, earning the nickname “Air Canada.”8)
Vince Carter’s 2000 Slam Dunk Contest performance is often considered the best in NBA history.9)
In 2013, rapper Drake was named the team’s Global Ambassador, increasing the Raptors' international profile.10)
The Raptors made their first NBA Playoffs appearance in 2000.11)
They won their first playoff series in 2001 against the New York Knicks.12)
The iconic “We The North” campaign launched in 2014 and became one of the most successful marketing slogans in sports.13)
The 2017–18 Raptors had their best regular season record: 59–23.14)
In 2018–19, Kawhi Leonard was traded to Toronto and led the team to its first NBA championship.15)