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 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 our city can come together to play. These same courts could also potentially shape the next generation 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 the initiative.
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.