Well, i live in MTL and to be honest with u, basketball is so UNPOPULAR here. this is NOT toronto. we dont really care about the raptors at all. The ratings here are so bad. i don't even know anyone that sits and watches raptors game. L'antichambre, a show that has a french panel talking habs is way more popular than a raptors game. That's why Raptors aren't even on RDS. they are on RDS2 and RDS info. the equivalent of ESPN news in the US. We don't care about raptors here. Nothing personal, it's just that MTL is a HORRIBLE basketball town. no one talks basketball ever. i've nevr heard anyone in public talk Raptors. If MTL got an NBA team, they wouldn't last 3 yrs. They'd be playing in front of 6,000 fans at the Bell center each game. and if they're a bad team, it might be 1,200 fans. The Quebecois here HATE basketball for some reason, but they do love their hockey. however Although, they will watch if they get deep in the playoffs, unless there's a habs game on the same time.
To be honest if Montreal ever got a basketball team it would last just because the NBA is a juggernaut when it comes to apparal and TV money. Even if 5000 people showed up. Also, my cousin in montreal said it was nuts there when the Raptors were in the finals viewing parties everywhere. Montreal really isn't a sports town not progressive in this aspect at all .. still can't believe they let the expos go for absolotely nothing.
Also Raptors are in the top 10 of most valuable NBA teams.
NBA Team Values 2021: Knicks Keep Top Spot At $5 Billion, While Warriors Seize No. 2 From Lakers
A lot of hockey fans do not want to credit the inroads that the NBA has made in Canada. As generations grow, especially in the GTA, it will only get bigger. I Am seeing it right now kids are playing basketball everywhere. I don't see immigrants gravitating towards hockey like a few decades ago when Basketball is just easier to consume and play. Especially since the NBA is a real global powerhouse already.
Last edited: