History of Toronto Raptors in Timeline
The Toronto Raptors are a Canadian professional basketball team established in 1995 as part of the NBA's expansion into Canada. They compete in the NBA as a member of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference and play their home games at Scotiabank Arena. Initially, they co-existed with the Vancouver Grizzlies, but since 2001-02, the Raptors have been the sole Canadian team in the NBA after the Grizzlies relocated to Memphis.
November 1, 1946: First NBA Game
On November 1, 1946, the Toronto Huskies hosted the New York Knickerbockers in Toronto, marking the first game played in NBA history.
1946: Toronto Huskies season
In the 2009-10 season, the Raptors introduced a blue-and-white throwback jersey that were the same as those worn by the Toronto Huskies during the 1946–47 season.
1971: Buffalo Braves Games in Toronto
Starting in 1971, the Buffalo Braves (predecessor to the Los Angeles Clippers) played regular season games at Maple Leaf Gardens.
1975: End of Buffalo Braves Games
In 1975, the Buffalo Braves stopped playing regular season games at Maple Leaf Gardens.
1989: Exhibition Game in SkyDome
In 1989, the NBA organized an exhibition game in the newly built SkyDome, with an attendance of over 25,000 people.
1992: Exhibition Game in SkyDome
In 1992, the NBA organized another exhibition game in the SkyDome, with an attendance of over 25,000 people.
April 23, 1993: Application for Toronto-based Team
On April 23, 1993, Professional Basketball Franchise (Canada) Inc. (PBF) formally submitted an application for a Toronto-based team.
September 30, 1993: Committee Recommends PBF Franchise
On September 30, 1993, the NBA Expansion Committee recommended conditionally awarding PBF the franchise.
November 4, 1993: Team Formalized
On November 4, 1993, the NBA Board of Governors endorsed the decision of the Expansion Committee and awarded its 28th franchise to a group headed by John Bitove.
1993: "Jurassic Park" film adaption
The popularity of the 1993 film adaption of the 1990 science fiction novel "Jurassic Park" by Michael Crichton influenced the choice of the name "Toronto Raptors".
May 15, 1994: Team Name Unveiled
On May 15, 1994, the team's name, Toronto Raptors, was unveiled on Canadian national television, influenced by the movie "Jurassic Park".
May 24, 1994: Logo and GM Revealed
On May 24, 1994, the team's logo and first general manager, Isiah Thomas, were revealed at a press conference.
1994: Raptors merchandise sales high
By the end of 1994, the Toronto Raptors were seventh in the league in merchandise sales. The popularity of the logo and merchandise were fueled by the success of the Jurassic Park film.
November 3, 1995: First Game
The Raptors played their first game on November 3, 1995.
December 1995: Isiah Thomas Increased Stake
In December 1995, Isiah Thomas purchased a further 4.5 per cent stake in the team, decreasing Bitove and Slaight's shares.
1995: Inaugural NBA Game and Season
In 1995, Alvin Robertson scored the first NBA points in Raptors history, and Stoudamire recorded 10 points and 10 assists in a victory over the New Jersey Nets. The Raptors concluded their inaugural season with a 21–61 record.
1995: Draft Lottery and Stoudamire Selection
In 1995, The Raptors landed the seventh pick in the NBA draft lottery and selected Damon Stoudamire, a point guard out of Arizona. The selection of Stoudamire was met with boos from fans at the 1995 NBA draft at the SkyDome in Toronto.
1995: Raptors Foundation Established
In 1995, the Raptors Foundation was established as the charitable arm of the Raptors, dedicated to assisting Ontario's registered charities that support programs and sports initiatives for at-risk children and youth.
1995: Expansion Draft and Roster Filled
In 1995, the Raptors filled their roster through an expansion draft, with B. J. Armstrong initially selected but later traded.
1995: Raptors Unveil Original Uniforms
In 1995, the Toronto Raptors unveiled their original uniforms for the 1995-96 season. These uniforms featured black and white tears as pinstripes, asymmetric lettering, and a red Velociraptor dribbling a basketball.
1996: Bitove Sells Ownership Interest
In November of the 1996-97 season, John Bitove sold his ownership interest in the team to Allan Slaight for $65 million, giving Slaight 79 per cent control of the team.
1997: Second Season
During their second season in 1996-97, the team put up a 30–52 record and selected centre Marcus Camby with the second overall pick in the 1996 NBA draft.
1997: Injuries and Losing Streak
In the 1997-98 season, the team suffered numerous injuries and slid into a 17-game losing streak.
1997: Villanueva has most points by rookie since 1997
In the 2005-2006 NBA season, Charlie Villanueva recorded 48 points, the most by a rookie since 1997.
February 13, 1998: Stoudamire Traded
On February 13, 1998, Damon Stoudamire was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers along with Walt Williams and Carlos Rogers.
1998: Acquisition of Vince Carter
In 1998, the Raptors acquired Vince Carter through a draft-day trade, which significantly boosted the team's popularity and performance.
1998: Franchise Bought
In 1998, the Raptors franchise was bought for US$125 million.
1999: Raptors trade for Antonio Davis in 1999 NBA draft
In 1999, the Raptors traded Jonathan Bender for Antonio Davis of the Indiana Pacers, aiming to strengthen their frontcourt. Davis became an All-Star, while Bender's career was shorter. The 1999 NBA draft proved pivotal for the Raptors' roster composition and future success.
1999: Raptors Launch New Jerseys
In 1999, the Toronto Raptors launched new jerseys for the 1999-2000 season, including a unique road jersey with a purple front and black back.
1999: Downward-Pointing Chevrons Introduced
Since being introduced as a uniform accent in 1999, the chevrons had pointed downward.
1999: Raptors' First Playoff Appearance in 1999-2000 Season
The Raptors made their first-ever playoff appearance during the 1999-2000 season.
2000: Raptors' First Playoff Appearance
During the 1999-2000 season, the Raptors made their first-ever playoff appearance, but were swept by the New York Knicks in the first round, 3–0.
2000: Lenny Wilkens Hired, McGrady leaves Raptors in 2000
In 2000, Lenny Wilkens was hired to replace Butch Carter. McGrady left the Raptors in a sign-and-trade deal worth $67.5 million over six years to the Orlando Magic, impacting the team's future direction and roster composition.
2000: Vince Carter wins 2000 NBA Slam Dunk Contest
In 2000, Vince Carter won the NBA Slam Dunk Contest. The 1999-2000 season marked the first full year at the Air Canada Centre and saw the Raptors achieve a 45-37 record, enhancing fan engagement in Toronto.
2000: NBA Playoffs Appearance
In 2000, led by Vince Carter, the Raptors made their first appearance in the NBA playoffs.
2000: New Jerseys Launched
In 2000, the Raptors launched a unique road jersey that had a purple front and a black back.
2000: NBA Attendance Records
In 2000, the Raptors set NBA attendance records during their playoff season.
2000: Franchise Value
In 2000, the value of the Raptors franchise was US$148 million.
2001: Advancing Past First Round
In 2001, the Raptors advanced past the first round.
2001: Raptors Win First Playoff Series in 2001
In 2001, the Raptors secured a franchise-high 47 wins and won their first-ever playoff series against the New York Knicks, advancing to the Eastern Conference Semifinals. The series against the Philadelphia 76ers went to a Game 7, but the Raptors lost.
2001: NBA Attendance Records
In 2001, the Raptors set NBA attendance records during their playoff season.
2001: First Playoff Series Win
In 2001, the Raptors, led by Vince Carter, achieved their first playoff series win, advancing to the Eastern Conference semifinals.
2002: Carter injured in 2002
In 2002, Carter suffered a knee injury, and Davis showed disinterest, affecting the Raptors' performance.
2002: NBA Playoffs Appearance
In 2002, the Raptors made the NBA playoffs.
2002: NBA Attendance Records
In 2002, the Raptors set NBA attendance records during their playoff season.
October 29, 2003: Raptors debut new alternate uniforms
On October 29, 2003, Shania Twain helped launch the new red Raptors alternate road uniform, debuting in a 90–87 season-opening victory against the New Jersey Nets. The 2003-2004 season saw significant roster changes for the team.
2003: Attendance Dip
Between 2003 and 2006, the Raptors' attendance dipped slightly.
2003: Raptors Get Fourth Overall Pick in 2003 NBA Draft
In 2003, the Raptors concluded the season with a 24–58 record, resulting in Wilkens's dismissal. The Raptors secured the fourth overall pick in the 2003 NBA draft, selecting Chris Bosh to join the team.
2003: Introduction of Solid Red Alternate Jersey
In 2003, the Raptors introduced a solid red alternate jersey.
2003: Magic's first playoff win since 2003
In 2007, in Game 1 of the playoffs, the Orlando Magic had their first playoff win since 2003.
April 1, 2004: Richard Peddie fires Glen Grunwald
On April 1, 2004, Raptors' President Richard Peddie dismissed General Manager Glen Grunwald, along with Head Coach Kevin O'Neill and his assistants, following a season where the team narrowly missed the playoffs.
June 7, 2004: Rob Babcock named General Manager
On June 7, 2004, Rob Babcock was appointed as the Raptors' general manager, alongside Wayne Embry as senior advisor and Alex English as director of player development. Sam Mitchell was hired as the new head coach.
2004: Bryan Colangelo was NBA Executive of the year in 2004-2005
Bryan Colangelo had been the NBA Executive of the year in the 2004-2005 NBA season.
2004: Vince Carter Traded
In 2004, after failing to make significant progress in the 2002-03 and 2003-04 seasons, Vince Carter was traded to the New Jersey Nets.
2004: Raptors Draft Rafael Araújo, Trade Vince Carter in 2004
In 2004, the Raptors drafted Rafael Araújo, a move criticized due to Andre Iguodala's availability. Vince Carter was traded to the New Jersey Nets after expressing discontent with the Raptors' management, marking a significant shift in the team's direction.
2004: Franchise Value Doubles
In 2004, the value of the Raptors franchise doubled to $297 million.
2004: Rivalry Heats Up After Vince Carter Trade
In the 2004–05 season, the New Jersey/Brooklyn Nets and the Raptors rivalry began to heat up after the trade of Vince Carter.
2005: Villanueva impressed in 2005-2006 season, Bosh becomes all star
During the 2005-2006 season, Charlie Villanueva's play impressed fans as he came in second for NBA Rookie of the Year and recorded 48 points, and Bosh was named a reserve forward for the Eastern All-Star Team.
2005: Raptors select Charlie Villanueva in the 2005 NBA draft.
In 2005, The Raptors continued their rebuild by selecting Charlie Villanueva, Joey Graham, Roko Ukić and Uroš Slokar in the NBA draft. They traded Alston for Mike James and signed José Calderón. The 2005-06 season was disappointing with a franchise record losing streak.
January 15, 2006: Raptors Set Franchise Points Record in Win Over Knicks
On January 15, 2006, the Raptors set a franchise points record in a 129–103 win over the Knicks, led by Villanueva. However, less than a week later, the Raptors allowed Kobe Bryant to score 81 points, resulting in increased media scrutiny.
February 27, 2006: Bryan Colangelo Hired as Raptors President and GM on February 27, 2006
On February 27, 2006, Bryan Colangelo, the 2004–05 NBA Executive of the Year, was appointed as the president and general manager of the Raptors. Bosh suffered a season-ending thumb injury, affecting the team's performance.
2006: Attendance Dip
Between 2003 and 2006, the Raptors' attendance dipped slightly.
2006: Bryan Colangelo Appointed
In 2006, Bryan Colangelo was appointed as the general manager for the Raptors.
2006: Colangelo named Executive of the Year
In 2006, Bryan Colangelo was named 2006-07 Executive of the Year for his role in the Raptors' turnaround, which was one of the best in NBA history.
2006: Raptors Overhaul Roster in 2006
In 2006, the Raptors significantly overhauled their roster, including drafting Andrea Bargnani, acquiring T. J. Ford, and signing Anthony Parker and Jorge Garbajosa. Bosh received a contract extension, and Maurizio Gherardini was hired as VP and assistant GM.
2006: Red Jersey Becomes Main Road Jersey
In 2006, the Raptors' solid red alternate jersey became the main road jersey, and purple was dropped from the team's colour scheme.
2006: Franchise Value
In 2006, the value of the Raptors franchise was $315 million.
February 2007: Bargnani averaged 14.3 points per game
In February 2007, Andrea Bargnani averaged 14.3 points per game and 3.9 rebounds per game in 12 games, while working on his defence and shooting.
March 1, 2007: Bargnani named Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month
On March 1, 2007, Andrea Bargnani was selected as the Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month for the second straight time. Bargnani became the third Raptor to win the award twice.
April 24, 2007: Raptors win first playoff game in five seasons
On April 24, 2007, the Raptors won their first playoff game in five seasons, with an 89–83 victory over the New Jersey Nets.
2007: Raptors Foundation's Fundraising Milestone
By 2007, the Raptors Foundation had successfully raised more than $14 million and reached out to thousands of other charities.
2007: Attendance Improvement and Leader in Ticket Sales
During the 2006–07 regular season, the Raptors' average attendance improved to 18,258 fans, and Toronto became one of the league leaders in season ticket sales for the 2007–08 season.
2007: Green Uniforms Worn on St. Patrick's Day
From the 2007−08 season through to the 2011−12 season, the Raptors wore a green uniform on St. Patrick's Day.
2007: Nets Defeat Raptors in 2007 NBA Playoffs
In 2007, the Nets defeated the Raptors in the opening round of the NBA Playoffs, 4–2, after a go-ahead shot by Richard Jefferson in Game 6.
2007: Raptors acquire Carlos Delfino
In 2007, the Raptors acquired Carlos Delfino in a trade with Detroit for two second-round draft picks, and signed Jamario Moon and Jason Kapono as free agents. Morris Peterson joined the New Orleans Hornets.
2007: Raptors enter playoffs as sixth seed
In 2007, the Raptors finished with a 41–41 record, earning a playoff spot as the sixth seed and were pitted against the Orlando Magic.
2007: Playoffs Appearance and Atlantic Division Win
In 2007, the Raptors made the playoffs and won the Atlantic Division.
2007: Franchise Value
In 2007, the value of the Raptors franchise grew to $373 million.
2007: Raptors last Atlantic Division title
In 2014, on April 11, The Raptors became Atlantic Division champions for the first time since 2007.
2007: Playoff Berth and Division Title
In the 2006-07 season, the Raptors qualified for their first playoff berth in five years and captured the Atlantic Division title.
November 19, 2008: Previous Raptors road win in Miami
On April 11, 2015, the Raptors beat the Miami Heat, marking Toronto's first road win over the Heat since November 19, 2008.
2008: Raptors acquire Jermaine O'Neal
Before the 2008-09 campaign, the Raptors acquired Jermaine O'Neal from the Indiana Pacers in exchange for T.J. Ford, Rasho Nesterović, Maceo Baston, and Roy Hibbert.
2008: Raptors drop purple from original logo
For the 2008−09 season, the Toronto Raptors dropped the colour purple from the original logo, making bright red the predominant colour in both the logo and the team's jerseys.
2008: Black Road Uniforms Unveiled
In 2008, the Raptors unveiled their alternate black road uniforms, which were worn as often as the primary red ones.
2008: Franchise Value
In 2008, the value of the Raptors franchise was $400 million.
2008: Raptors last playoff appearance
In 2014, on March 28, The Raptors clinched a playoff berth for the first time since 2008.
May 12, 2009: Jay Triano given three-year term as head coach
On May 12, 2009, Jay Triano was given a three-year term for the position of head coach of the Raptors.
December 8, 2009: Toronto Huskies Throwback Jersey Introduced
On December 8, 2009, the Raptors introduced a blue-and-white throwback jersey to commemorate the Toronto Huskies of the Basketball Association of America (BAA).
2009: Roster Overhaul
Bryan Colangelo overhauled the Raptors' roster for the 2009-10 season in a bid to persuade Chris Bosh to stay.
2009: Raptors fail to make playoffs
In 2009, the 2012-13 season was the first season since the 2009-10 season that the Raptors finished the season with a winning home record.
2009: Raptors Foundation Merges to Form MLSE Team Up Foundation
In 2009, the Raptors Foundation merged with the other charitable arms of MLSE's other sports franchises to form the MLSE Team Up Foundation.
2009: Raptors trade Kapono and draft DeRozan
In 2009, the Raptors traded Jason Kapono to the Philadelphia 76ers and drafted DeMar DeRozan with the ninth pick.
July 2010: Chris Bosh's Departure
In July 2010, Chris Bosh departed from the Raptors to sign with the Miami Heat, leading to another era of rebuilding for the team.
2010: Bosh and James join Wade in Miami
In 2010, Chris Bosh and LeBron James chose to converge in Miami with Dwyane Wade, resulting in the Raptors receiving two first-round draft picks and a trade exception from Miami.
2010: Bosh suffers season ending injury
In 2010, Chris Bosh suffered a season-ending injury, coinciding with the Raptors' descent down the standings.
2011: Dwane Casey hired as head coach
Before the 2011-12 season, Dwane Casey was hired as the new head coach of the Toronto Raptors.
2011: First Time Sell Out Season Tickets
In 2014, for the first time since 2011, the team sold out 12,500 season tickets.
2011: Green Uniforms Worn on St. Patrick's Day
Until the 2011−12 season, the Raptors wore a green uniform on St. Patrick's Day.
2012: Raptors acquire Kyle Lowry
During the 2012 off-season, the Raptors acquired point guard Kyle Lowry from the Houston Rockets for a future first-round pick after failing to acquire Steve Nash.
2012: Scotiabank Acquires ING Direct Canada
In 2012, Scotiabank purchased ING Direct Canada, which was later re-branded as Tangerine Bank in 2013, whose name and logo are printed on the Raptors' court.
January 30, 2013: Raptors acquire Rudy Gay
On January 30, 2013, the Raptors acquired Rudy Gay and Hamed Haddadi, as well as Austin Daye, in a three-way deal.
September 30, 2013: Drake Named Global Ambassador
On September 30, 2013, Toronto-based rapper Drake was announced as the new 'global ambassador' for the Toronto Raptors, joining the executive committee.
December 9, 2013: Raptors trade Rudy Gay
On December 9, 2013, the Raptors traded Rudy Gay, Quincy Acy, and Aaron Gray to the Sacramento Kings for John Salmons, Greivis Vásquez, Patrick Patterson, and Chuck Hayes.
2013: Ujiri trades Bargnani
During the 2013 off-season, Masai Ujiri traded Andrea Bargnani to the New York Knicks.
2013: Drake Zone Created
During the 2013–14 season, a new 'Drake Zone' was created in the lower bowl, where limited edition shirts were given away to fans sitting in that area.
2013: Nets and Raptors Battle for Atlantic Division
During the 2013–14 season, the Nets and Raptors battled for the Atlantic Division, further fueling their rivalry.
2013: Masai Ujiri Appointment
In 2013, Masai Ujiri replaced Bryan Colangelo, ushering in a new era of success for the Raptors.
2013: Re-branding of ING Direct Canada to Tangerine Bank
In 2013, after being purchased by Scotiabank in 2012, ING Direct Canada was re-branded as Tangerine Bank, whose name and logo are printed on the Raptors' court.
2013: Raptors Support Spike
The Raptors experienced a spike in support starting in 2013-14.
March 28, 2014: Raptors clinch playoff berth
On March 28, 2014, the Raptors clinched a playoff berth for the first time since 2008 after beating the Boston Celtics, 105–103.
April 11, 2014: Raptors become Atlantic Division champions
On April 11, 2014, the Raptors became Atlantic Division champions for the first time since 2007 after the Brooklyn Nets lost to the Atlanta Hawks.
April 2014: "We The North" Campaign Unveiled
In April 2014, the Raptors unveiled a new imaging campaign developed by the agency Sid Lee, 'We The North', built around a manifesto to embrace the team's 'outsider' trait.
December 19, 2014: Raptors unveil new primary logo
On December 19, 2014, the Toronto Raptors unveiled a new primary logo, described as "a circular shield with a ball torn by the unmistakable attack of a Raptor".
2014: "We The North" Campaign Launch
In 2014, the 'We The North' campaign was launched ahead of schedule for the playoffs, featuring a commercial with a manifesto narration and scenes of local basketball players. The campaign was immediately embraced by fans.
2014: Playoffs Appearance and Atlantic Division Win
In 2014, the Raptors made the playoffs and won the Atlantic Division.
2014: Sell Out Season Tickets and Jurassic Park
In 2014, the Raptors sold out their 12,500 season tickets for the 2014-15 season, marking the first time since 2011. Public watchings of the Raptors games began at Maple Leaf Square, which fans nicknamed 'Jurassic Park'.
2014: Best start in franchise history
In 2014, the Raptors were off to their best start in franchise history with a 24-8 record by the end of the year.
2014: Masai Ujiri Fined for "Fuck Brooklyn!" Quote
Prior to Game 1 of the 2014 NBA Playoffs series against the Brooklyn Nets, Raptors' general manager Masai Ujiri yelled "Fuck Brooklyn!" at a Raptors rally, leading to a $25,000 fine from the NBA. The Nets ultimately won the series in seven games.
2014: Black Road Uniforms
Through the 2014-15 season, the Raptors' alternate black road uniforms were worn as often as the primary red ones.
March 27, 2015: Raptors clinch Atlantic Division title
On March 27, 2015, the Raptors clinched the Atlantic division title with a 94–83 win over the Los Angeles Lakers, marking their second consecutive year winning the title.
April 11, 2015: Raptors end road losing streak against Heat
On April 11, 2015, the Raptors beat the Miami Heat, marking Toronto's first road win over the Heat since November 19, 2008, ending a ten-game slide on Miami's home floor.
June 25, 2015: Raptors select Delon Wright in NBA draft
On June 25, 2015, the Toronto Raptors selected Delon Wright in the first round and Norman Powell in the second round of the 2015 NBA draft.
August 3, 2015: Raptors Unveil Four New Uniforms
On August 3, 2015, the Toronto Raptors unveiled four new uniforms in partnership with 2K Sports' NBA 2K16 video game, paying tribute to Toronto and Canada, maintaining the national colours of red and white with black and silver trim. The chevrons on the side panels now point up, in line with the slogan 'We The North'. The team also has an alternate road uniform based on Drake's October's Very Own (OVO) Sound record label.
2015: "We The North" Campaign Resonates
In 2015, the 'We The North'-branded shirts and flags became a common sight at games, following its launch in 2014.
2015: New Logo Implementation and Merchandise Delay
In 2015, the Toronto Raptors officially implemented their new logo, which features a basketball with claw marks and was designed by Sid Lee. However, merchandise featuring the new logo was not released until at least mid-2015.
2015: 20th Anniversary Season
In the lead-up to the Toronto Raptor's 20th anniversary season in 2015, the Raptors began the process of re-branding itself.
February 10, 2016: Raptors open new practice facility
On February 10, 2016, the Toronto Raptors opened their new practice facility, the OVO Athletic Centre, originally known as the BioSteel Centre, in Exhibition Place.
February 14, 2016: Toronto hosts 2016 NBA All-Star Game
On February 14, 2016, Toronto hosted the 2016 NBA All-Star Game and its associated weekend for the first time in the franchise's history.
March 30, 2016: Raptors attain first 50-win season
On March 30, 2016, the Toronto Raptors achieved their first-ever 50-win season with a 105–97 victory against the Atlanta Hawks.
2016: Pascal Siakam Drafted
In 2016, Pascal Siakam was the 27th overall pick in the NBA draft.
2016: Playoffs Appearance and Eastern Conference Finals
In 2016, the Raptors made the playoffs and advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals.
2016: Huskies Throwback and Chinese New Year Jersey
In the 2016–17 NBA season, the Raptors unveiled the season's 'retro' uniforms for the 70th anniversary of the Toronto Huskies and revealed a Huskies-themed throwback court. The franchise also launched a special red Chinese New Year jersey featuring a stylized rendering of 'Toronto' in traditional Chinese characters.
2016: Hosting of the All-Star Game
In the lead-up to the team's hosting of the 2016 All-Star Game, the Raptors began the process of re-branding itself.
February 14, 2017: Raptors trade for Serge Ibaka
On February 14, 2017, the Toronto Raptors traded Terrence Ross and a first-round pick to the Orlando Magic for Serge Ibaka.
February 23, 2017: Raptors trade for PJ Tucker
On February 23, 2017, the Toronto Raptors traded Jared Sullinger and two second-round picks for PJ Tucker.
2017: NBA and Nike Partnership
In 2017, as part of the NBA's partnership with Nike, each team was allotted four primary uniforms, classified as 'editions'. The Raptors made small changes to their regular home (Association edition) and road (Icon edition) uniforms, as well as their alternate (Statement edition) uniforms. Each franchise was also given new City edition uniforms.
2017: Sun Life Financial Jersey Sponsor
In the 2017 off-season, the Raptors announced that Toronto-based Sun Life Financial would be the team's jersey sponsor starting in the 2017–18 season.
2017: City Edition Uniforms Worn During 2017-18 Season
Throughout the 2017-18 season, the Raptors wore "city edition" uniforms for six home games as part of the Welcome Toronto program. As a salute to the earlier We the North campaign, the uniforms feature a gold chevron with "NORTH" written across it.
January 1, 2018: DeMar DeRozan scores franchise-record 52 points
On January 1, 2018, DeMar DeRozan scored a franchise-record 52 points in a game against the Milwaukee Bucks, contributing to a 131–127 overtime victory, matching the team record with their 12th consecutive home win.
March 7, 2018: Raptors clinch playoff spot
On March 7, 2018, the Toronto Raptors became the first team in the league to clinch a playoff spot for the 2017–18 season with a 121–119 overtime win over the Detroit Pistons, setting a new franchise record for earliest playoff qualification.
April 6, 2018: Raptors become Eastern Conference regular season champions
On April 6, 2018, the Toronto Raptors became Eastern Conference regular season champions, securing the number one seed for the first time in franchise history with a 92–73 win over the Indiana Pacers, and set new records for single-season wins at 57 and home wins at 33.
2018: Pizza Pizza and McDonald's Promotions
Beginning in the 2018–19 season, the Pizza Pizza promotion for free pizza slices added a requirement of purchasing a first slice, and McDonald's began offering free medium fries with a minimum purchase after games where the Raptors make at least a dozen three-pointers.
2018: Franchise Value
By 2018, Forbes estimated the Raptors were worth $1.4 billion, 12th in the NBA.
2018: "Earned edition" Uniforms Awarded
For the 2018–19 season, the Raptors were one of the franchises awarded 'Earned edition' uniforms, by virtue of qualifying in the 2018 playoffs.
2018: Welcome Toronto Program Unveiled
In 2018, Drake unveiled the Welcome Toronto program with the Raptors. As part of the program, the Raptors wore "city edition" uniforms for six home games throughout the 2017–18 season. The six Welcome Toronto home games also featured an OVO-themed black-and-gold home court. Additionally, the Raptors and OVO would donate $1 million to refurbish local community basketball courts, as well as another $2 million to Canada Basketball.
2018: Atlantic Division Win
In 2018, the Raptors won the Atlantic Division.
2018: Raptors and Drake Announce Welcome Toronto Program
In 2018, the Raptors, in partnership with Drake, announced the Welcome Toronto program. The program included a contribution of $2 million to Canada Basketball over four years and a donation of $1 million to refurbish four community basketball courts within Toronto over three years.
2018: Raptors Use Welcome Toronto Logo
In 2018, the Toronto Raptors started using the Welcome Toronto logo during some games due to their strong connections with Toronto-based rapper Drake, as well as using the 3D Raptors logo.
2018: Most Successful Regular Season
In 2018, under Ujiri's leadership, the Raptors registered their most successful regular season.
January 13, 2019: Raptors break record for most points scored in franchise history
On January 13, 2019, the Toronto Raptors broke the record for most points scored in franchise history after beating the Washington Wizards in Washington 140–138 points after double overtime.
2019: NBA Finals Broadcast
During the 2019 NBA Finals, Citytv and CTV 2 aired the ABC feed for simultaneous substitution purposes for games aired by Sportsnet and TSN, respectively.
2019: NBA Finals Win and Eastern Conference Finals Appearance
In 2019, the Raptors won the NBA Finals and advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals.
2019: First NBA Championship
In 2019, the Raptors won their first Eastern Conference title and their first NBA championship.
2019: Raptors earn first NBA championship
In 2019, the Toronto Raptors won their first NBA championship by defeating the Golden State Warriors 4–2, with Kawhi Leonard named Finals MVP.
2019: Playoff Run Viewership Record
The Raptors' victorious 2019 playoff run set a new viewership record, averaging 7.7 million viewers with a peak of 10 million in the NBA Finals.
2020: Raptors Sweep Nets in 2020 NBA Playoffs
In 2020, the Raptors swept the Nets in four games in the first round of the NBA Playoffs, marking the first playoff series sweep in Raptors history.
2020: Atlantic Division Win and Winning Streak Record
In 2020, the Raptors won the Atlantic Division and went on a 15-game winning streak, setting a new record for the longest winning streak by a Canadian-based professional sports franchise.
2020: Raptors secure second seed in shortened season
In the 2020 season, which was shortened by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Toronto Raptors managed to win 53 games, securing the second seed and the second-best record in the league. Nurse was named Coach of the Year, and Siakam made his first All-NBA Second Team.
February 28, 2021: Raptors suffer first postponement due to NBA's COVID-19 protocols
On February 28, 2021, the Toronto Raptors suffered their first postponement due to NBA's COVID-19 Health and Safety Protocols, in a scheduled game versus the Chicago Bulls.
September 10, 2021: Raptors return to Scotiabank Arena
On September 10, 2021, the Canadian government allowed the Toronto Raptors to return to Scotiabank Arena for the first time since March 2020, with spectators required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination.
2021: Lowry's Departure
After Lowry's departure via trade in 2021, Siakam became the face of the franchise.
2021: "City edition" Uniform Version
The 2021−22 version of the "City edition" uniform brought back the original Velociraptor, albeit in black and gold and facing the opposite direction.
2022: Scottie Barnes named NBA Rookie of the Year
In 2022, Scottie Barnes, selected fourth overall by the Toronto Raptors in the 2021 NBA draft, was named the 2022 NBA Rookie of the Year.
April 21, 2023: Raptors fire head coach Nick Nurse
On April 21, 2023, after the Toronto Raptors were eliminated from the Play-in tournament, the team fired head coach Nick Nurse and his coaching staff.
June 13, 2023: Darko Rajaković hired as Raptors head coach
On June 13, 2023, Darko Rajaković was hired as the Toronto Raptors head coach, replacing Nick Nurse.
December 30, 2023: Raptors trade OG Anunoby to the New York Knicks
On December 30, 2023, the Toronto Raptors traded OG Anunoby, along with Precious Achiuwa and Malachi Flynn, to the New York Knicks in exchange for RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley, and a 2024 2nd-round pick.
January 17, 2024: Raptors trade Pascal Siakam to the Indiana Pacers
On January 17, 2024, the Toronto Raptors traded Pascal Siakam to the Indiana Pacers for Bruce Brown, Jordan Nwora, Kira Lewis Jr., and 3 first-round picks.
2024: Siakam traded to Indiana Pacers
In 2024, Pascal Siakam was traded to the Indiana Pacers, leaving Scottie Barnes as the new face of the franchise.
January 2025: Drake Banned for Disparaging DeMar DeRozan
In January 2025, Drake was banned from commentating on Toronto Raptors game broadcasts for one year for disparaging former Raptors player DeMar DeRozan.
February 6, 2025: Raptors acquire Brandon Ingram from Pelicans
On February 6, 2025, the Toronto Raptors acquired forward Brandon Ingram from the New Orleans Pelicans in exchange for Kelly Olynyk, Bruce Brown, a 2026 first round pick, and a 2031 second round pick.
January 16, 2026: Roster Update
The Toronto Raptors' roster was updated on January 16, 2026.
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