toronto raptors

Toronto Raptors could play next season in Louisville if border still closed

With the NBA hoping to hold games in teams' respective arenas rather than in one single bubble next season, there lies the question about what the Raptors will do if the Canadian-U.S. border closure keeps getting extended, preventing other teams from coming to Toronto to play at Scotiabank Arena.

The rules restricting cross-country movement, implemented back in March, were recently extended until at least Nov. 21, and some experts believe they could last well into 2021.

With the next NBA season slated to start in January sans-bubble, the Raptors may have to find somewhere south of the border to call home — and it looks like Louisville, Kentucky's KFC Yum! Center is on the table.

The facility is fully NBA-ready, the city itself having been trying to get an NBA team of its own for decades. And, it is a very realistic possibility for Toronto home games, sources allegedly told Yahoo Sports yesterday.

Apparently, per the outlet, former NBAer and businessman Junior Bridgeman reached out to the league to propose the idea, though the validity of that news has been called into question.

The team may also end up sharing a current NBA market, the sources said, or set up temporary shop in another U.S. city such as Seattle.

A lot of details about the upcoming season are definitely still up in the air right now and only in the early stages of being sorted out, including whether fans will be able to attend games in-person.

There may be more details by Friday, when an NBA Board of Governors call is set to take place.

Lead photo by

@raptors


Latest Videos



Latest Videos


Join the conversation Load comments

Latest in Sports & Play

Jeff Marek's long run with Sportsnet has come to an end

People can't stand the new Team Canada Olympic uniforms for 2024

Canada's Wonderland teases huge new ride opening in 2025

How to stream Olympic opening ceremony for free in Canada

Violent outburst occurs after riders trapped on Canada's Wonderland ride

Former and current Toronto Maple Leafs reunited at Michael Bunting's wedding

How to stream Paris 2024 Olympics for free in Canada

Race car driver forced to bike to Honda Indy conference due to standstill Toronto traffic