Introduction

• Ever since James Naismith invented the sport of basketball in 1891, it has grown in popularity and has been appreciated on an international level. Specifically, basketball has become a recent phenomenon for Canadian fans, with a huge boost in fan appreciation of the Toronto Raptors.

History of Basketball in Canada

• In 1891, a Canadian James Naismith invents the sport.

• 1936 Canadas first participation in the Olympic Games with a national team

• 1954 Canadas first involvement in the World Championships

• Canadian womens team Edmonton Grads dominate the 1920s, 30s, and 40s, including a record 147-game winning steak.

• In 1995 the expansion teams Vancouver Grizzlies and Toronto Raptors join the NBA, becoming the first two non-American cities.

• In 2005 Canadian Steve Nash wins the MVP, and again in 2006.

NBA Fan Demographics (1)

Basketball Canada

• Team Canada:

• 8 Olympic appearances since being recognized in 1936

• Won silver in 1936

• Basketball Canada responsible for programs at international, amateur and grassroots levels as well as charities and youth programs

• This ensures a solid investment in the youth development programs

Demographics of NBA Fans(continued)

Team History

• Team was made as an NBA expansion team in 1995 along with the Vancouver Grizzlies

• Until 1999 the team struggled to find their rhythm as a unit

• From 1999-2002 the team made the playoffs three consecutive years

• 2002-2006 the team struggled as the roster changed dramatically

• 2006-Present the team has improved ticket sales as they made the playoffs two consecutive years, including an Atlantic Division Championship

References

• http://www.waitingfornextyear.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/03/raptors.png (Picture Logo)

• http://gbr.pepperdine.edu/054/NBAFigure3.html (Chart 1 and 2 info)

• http://images.sympatico.ca/images/Feeds/Prints/Scott%20Carefoot/LETS_NBA/080509-calderon.jpg (Calderon Image)

• http://www.nba.com/canada/History_of_Basketball_in_Canad-Canada_Generic_Article-18023.html (Background Information)

• http://www.summerbasketballcamp.com/ (Camp Image)

• http://www.kshs.org/portraits/naismith_james.htm (Naismith Image)

• http://www.basketball.ca/en/hm/inside.php?sid=104&id=1694 (Team Photo)

• http://veoquenoloentiendes.blogspot.com/2007/12/segunda-semana-halloween-chinos-empieza.html (Air Canada Centre Image)