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 Canada’s first participation in the Olympic Games with a

national team• 1954 Canada’s first involvement in the World Championships• Canadian women’s team Edmonton Grads dominate the

1920’s, 30’s, and 40’s, 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)