The Toronto Raptors and Calgary Dinos have announced that NBA basketball will return to Calgary as the Toronto squad prepares to host training camp at the home of the 2026 U SPORTS Men's Basketball Final 8.
The Raptors will make the University of Calgary and Jack Simpson Gym their home in the last week of September. With closed practices scheduled from Tuesday, Sept. 30 to Thursday, Oct. 2, and open practice set for Friday, Oct. 3, this news has the campus and city buzzing.
The only Canadian NBA team is no stranger to travelling across Canada, having previously hosted training camps in Montreal and the lower mainland of BC in recent years. But this announcement is more than a mission to spread the growth of basketball across the country; it represents a major win for U SPORTS, specifically.
Ben Matchett, director of athletics at the University of Calgary and president of Canada West, says the Raptors were the ones to reach out to the Dinos earlier this year to begin the partnership. After identifying Calgary as a potential location for training camp, they followed up with a site visit and several conversations before the deal was locked in.
Elevating Hoops Coast to Coast
The Raptors have long been a driver in the growth of basketball across the country, often being dubbed "Canada's team," as a sense of nationalism attaches many Canadians to the Toronto team. This latest move is not out of character for the organization.
Matchett sees the training camp as both a recognition of that growth and a celebration of the work being done to advocate for the sport at multiple levels across the country.
"We know there's going to be a strong market for this when they show up," Matchett said in an interview with OB.SESSED. "It's a testament to how successful they, and everyone else, have been in growing the game."
Putting U SPORTS and the Dinos on the map
We must remember the Raptors are in the Stampede City to work and prepare for the long NBA season ahead. But their presence is palpable and casts a bright spotlight on not only the city of Calgary but the University of Calgary and U SPORTS basketball as a whole.
"Anytime there's an opportunity for a university to be mentioned in the same breath as an NBA team, that's a positive thing," Matchett said. "We love it because there's some natural alignment between the Dinos and Raptors brands."
That spotlight aligns perfectly with this year's calendar of events as the Dinos prepare to host the 2026 U SPORTS Men's Basketball Final 8 in March 2026. Matchett adds they plan to launch ticket sales for the national event while the Raptors are in town to bring that focus on the tournament.
For university sports, the timing is invaluable. The synergy between professional and collegiate sports in Canada is one way to elevate U SPORTS to national recognition. Additionally, Matchett mentioned infrastructure upgrades originally planned for the Final 8 will now roll out early in preparation for the Raptors. This will serve a greater purpose for both the men's and women's basketball programs as both teams can now utilize these facilities for the entirety of their season.
Will We See A Jurassic Collaboration?
Again, the Raptors are visiting Calgary on what can best be deemed a "work trip" and their eyes will be focused on preparing for what's hopefully a successful 2025-26 campaign for the NBA Championship. But Matchett says the Athletics department will welcome any opportunity for student-athletes or the student body to engage with the NBA team.
Still, the Raptors are here to get ready for a competitive NBA season. Matchett is mindful of that. “They’re here to work and to make sure they get done what they need to do.”
What's Next?
While details about the open practice and any other details surrounding the camp are strictly under wraps, Matchett confirmed ticket information will be released in the coming weeks.
"We know there's going to be a lot of interest," he said. "It'll be a pretty up-close and personal experience with some NBA stars."
Whether you're a Dinos fan, Raptors fan, or just a local looking to witness and experience the highest level of basketball, this fall's training camp is more than just a practice run; it's a sign of the sport's expansion in the Canadian sports landscape.