Amanda Knapp
Basketball is gaining popularity in Canada, especially among young people and new immigrants. While ice hockey is considered Canada's national sport, basketball is rising in prominence, with the Toronto Raptors' success in the NBA and the country's strong showing in international competitions contributing to its growing fan base. Canada has a rich history in basketball, with the sport invented by Canadian James Naismith in the late 1890s, and the country has produced notable players in both the men's and women's game. With an increasing number of Canadians playing in the NBA and the rise of domestic leagues, basketball is becoming an integral part of Canada's sports culture.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Popularity of basketball in Canada | Gaining popularity, especially among young people and new immigrants |
| Number of professional basketball leagues in Canada | 4 (including the NBA) |
| Number of NBA teams based in Canada | 1 (Toronto Raptors) |
| Number of Canadian players in the NBA | Over 20 |
| Notable Canadian players in the NBA | Chris Boucher, Andrew Wiggins, RJ Barrett, Tristan Thompson, etc. |
| Notable Canadian women in the WNBA | Tammy Sutton-Brown, Kayla Alexander, Stacey Dales, etc. |
| Canadian national team appearances in international competitions | Men's team: 9 appearances at the Summer Olympics, 13 appearances at the FIBA World Cup; Women's team: 6 appearances at the Summer Olympics, 10 appearances at the Women's World Cup |
| Medals won by Canadian national teams | Men's team: Silver at the 1936 Summer Olympics; Women's team: Bronze at the 1979 and 1986 Women's World Cup |
| Domestic basketball leagues in Canada | National Basketball League of Canada (NBL Canada), Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL), Basketball Super League, The Basketball League |
| Canadian inventor of basketball | James Naismith |
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What You'll Learn
The Toronto Raptors and their impact on basketball's popularity in Canada
Canada has traditionally been a country that favours hockey as its favourite sport. However, basketball is gaining popularity, especially among young people and new immigrants. The Toronto Raptors are a Canadian professional basketball team based in Toronto, Ontario, and they compete in the National Basketball Association (NBA). The team was founded in 1995 as part of the NBA's expansion into Canada, along with the Vancouver Grizzlies. Since 2001, the Raptors have been the only Canadian team in the NBA, as the Grizzlies relocated to Memphis, Tennessee, USA.
The Raptors have had a significant impact on the popularity of basketball in Canada. In 1998, the acquisition of Vince Carter through a draft-day trade helped the franchise set league attendance records and make the NBA playoffs in 2000, 2001, and 2002. Carter led the team to their first playoff series win in 2001, advancing to the Eastern Conference semifinals. The Raptors' success attracted many fans in Toronto, many of whom were previously not basketball enthusiasts.
The Raptors' journey to becoming NBA champions in 2019 marked a pivotal moment in Canadian sports history. Their historic victory elevated basketball's prominence in a hockey-dominated country and fostered an unprecedented level of national unity. The Raptors transformed from a Toronto-based franchise to a national symbol, with fans from across the country embracing the team and turning ""We The North"" into a unifying chant. The Raptors' diverse roster, featuring players from multiple countries, also highlighted Canada's multicultural identity, resonating with fans and reinforcing basketball's inclusive appeal.
Following the Raptors' championship win, basketball registrations among youth soared. A report from Canada Basketball showed a 33% increase in youth enrollment, and several provinces reported record numbers in regional tournaments. The Raptors' success sparked a surge in fan engagement, with their games drawing record viewership across Canada. The team's victory inspired young athletes to pursue basketball as a career path, and their economic impact extended beyond basketball, influencing how sports franchises in Canada approached fan engagement and market strategies.
In conclusion, the Toronto Raptors have had a significant impact on the popularity of basketball in Canada. Their success on the court, historic NBA championship victory, and inclusive and diverse brand have attracted fans from across the country, elevated basketball's prominence, and fostered national unity. The Raptors have transformed from a local Toronto franchise to a national symbol, with their impact felt at the grassroots level, inspiring young athletes and sparking a surge in fan engagement and youth participation in the sport.
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Basketball's history in Canada
Basketball is growing in popularity in Canada, especially among young people and new immigrants. While hockey is still the most popular sport among 18 to 24-year-olds (21.8%), basketball is a close second at 17.6%.
Canada has a rich history with basketball, as the sport was invented by Canadian-American James Naismith in 1891. Naismith was born in Almonte, Canada West, in 1861 and studied and taught physical education at McGill University in Montreal until 1890. He then moved to Springfield, Massachusetts, where he designed basketball while teaching at the International YMCA Training School. In 1898, seven years after drafting the sport's first rules, he founded the University of Kansas basketball program and became its coach and athletic director.
Canada has had notable success in international basketball competitions. The Canadian men's national basketball team has made nine appearances at the Summer Olympic basketball tournament, winning silver at the 1936 Summer Olympics, where Naismith himself handed out the medals. The men's national team has also made 13 appearances at the FIBA World Cup. The Canadian women's national basketball team has made six appearances at the Summer Olympics and 10 at the Women's World Cup, winning bronze in 1979 and 1986.
At the professional level, the Toronto Raptors are the only NBA team based in Canada. They won the 2019 NBA championship, becoming the first champions outside of the United States. The Raptors also operate a minor league team, the Raptors 905 of the NBA G League, and both franchises are based in the Greater Toronto Area. In addition to the NBA, there are three other professional basketball leagues with teams in Canada: the Canadian Elite Basketball League, the Basketball Super League, and The Basketball League. Canada also has a domestic league, the National Basketball League of Canada (NBL Canada), which operates 10 franchises across the country.
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Canadians in the NBA
While hockey remains Canada's favourite sport, basketball is gaining popularity, especially among young people and new immigrants. As the second most popular sport among 18-24-year-olds, basketball is challenging hockey's dominance in Canada. This shift in sports preferences is making the sports landscape in Canada more competitive.
Canadian players are also making their mark in the NBA. For the 2024-25 season, 21 Canadians featured on NBA rosters, making Canada the most represented country outside of the US for the 11th consecutive season. Notable Canadian players in the NBA include Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who was voted the player most likely to win the 2024-25 NBA MVP Award, and Andrew Wiggins of the Golden State Warriors, who, along with Jamal Murray and Tristan Thompson, are the only active Canadians to have won the Larry O'Brien NBA Championship trophy. Other Canadians in the NBA include Dwight Powell of the Dallas Mavericks, Zach Edey of the Memphis Grizzlies, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Leonard Miller of the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The presence of Canadian players in the NBA contributes to the growing popularity of basketball in Canada. As more Canadians succeed in the sport, they inspire young people in Canada to take up basketball and follow the NBA. The increasing representation of Canadians in the NBA reflects the country's growing talent and interest in the sport.
As the NBA continues to attract top Canadian players, the league benefits from the diverse talent pool that Canada offers. The success of Canadian players in the NBA helps to promote the league in Canada and encourages more Canadians to engage with the sport, whether as players, fans, or followers of the league. The NBA's global reach, combined with the growing popularity of basketball in Canada, creates a positive cycle that further elevates the sport's profile in the country.
While hockey remains the dominant sport in Canada, the rise in popularity of basketball, fuelled by the success of Canadians in the NBA, indicates that the sports landscape in Canada is evolving. As young people and new immigrants embrace basketball, it solidifies its position as a significant sport in Canada, challenging the long-held dominance of hockey. The increasing representation of Canadians in the NBA serves as a testament to the country's growing contribution to the sport on a global stage.
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Basketball's popularity among young Canadians
Basketball is growing in popularity among young people in Canada, with the sport gaining traction as a nationwide obsession. While hockey remains the most popular sport among 18- to 24-year-olds at 21.8%, basketball is a close second at 17.6%. This is a significant shift for a country that has long considered hockey its national sport.
There are several reasons for basketball's increasing popularity among young Canadians. One key factor is the success of the Toronto Raptors, Canada's only NBA franchise, which won its first NBA championship in 2019. The Raptors have a dedicated fan base, with the third-highest attendance in the league, and their success has inspired a new wave of NBA players of Canadian descent, such as RJ Barrett and Andrew Nembhard. The creation of the Raptors in 1995, as well as the establishment of the National Basketball League of Canada in 2011, has contributed to the sport's growing presence in the country.
Another factor is the changing demographics of Canada. The country is becoming more diverse, and basketball is particularly popular among new immigrants. In addition, the culture of the NBA resonates with millennials and Gen Z, who make up a significant portion of the young population in Canada.
Basketball's accessibility also contributes to its popularity among young Canadians. The sport can be played year-round, indoors or outdoors, and requires minimal equipment, making it an attractive option for those who may not have access to more expensive or specialised sports equipment.
The success of Canadian players in the NBA and other international competitions has also likely inspired young Canadians to take up the sport. Notable Canadian players in the NBA include Chris Boucher, Andrew Wiggins, and RJ Barrett. The Canadian men's and women's national basketball teams have also represented the country in numerous international tournaments, including the Olympics and the Basketball World Cup, bringing further attention to the sport domestically.
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Canada's national basketball teams
Basketball is gaining popularity in Canada, especially among young people and new immigrants. In fact, Canada is credited with bringing forth the inventor of the game. Canada's national basketball team has often been a major competitor on the global stage. The Western Mustangs basketball team in 1947–48 and 1951–52, coached by John P. Metras, was the first university team to compete in the trials to select the national team. Through the 1970s and 1980s, Team Canada consistently placed among the top teams in the world.
The emergence of Steve Nash gave another boost to the team in the 1990s. However, great performances became more scarce when he retired in 2007. Canada began a new cycle entering the 2009 FIBA Americas Championship, advancing to the quarterfinals after posting a 2–2 record in the Preliminary round. In 2010, Canada finished last (6th) in the FIBA World Championship held in Turkey and ranked 22nd in the FIBA World Cup.
Canada's performance in the 2023 FIBA World Cup was more promising. Under the leadership of new head coach Jordi Fernández, who replaced Nick Nurse, Canada finished the exhibition tour with a 3–2 record, which included wins over Germany and Spain, both of which were higher-ranked teams. Canada carried their form into the group phase of the World Cup, defeating France 95–65 in the opening match. Canada finished the first group phase with a 3–0 record and a +111 point differential, following large wins over Lebanon and Latvia. However, they suffered their first loss of the tournament to Brazil in the second stage.
Looking ahead, Canada has been drawn into Group B for the FIBA World Cup 2027 Qualifying rounds. While hockey remains the most popular sport in Canada, basketball is gaining traction, especially among younger Canadians, and Canada's national basketball team continues to be a force to be reckoned with on the international stage.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, basketball is gaining popularity in Canada, especially among young people and new immigrants. In 2019, the Toronto Raptors won their first NBA championship, becoming the first champions outside of the US.
No, hockey is still the most popular sport in Canada. However, basketball is gaining traction and may challenge hockey's dominance in the future.
Yes, several notable Canadians have made their mark in the world of basketball. On the men's side, players like Andrew Wiggins, RJ Barrett, and Tristan Thompson have represented Canada in the NBA. The women's game also boasts stars such as Tammy Sutton-Brown, Kayla Alexander, and Stacey Dales, who have competed in the WNBA and represented Canada in international competitions.
