Today, the City of Mississauga welcomed the Toronto Raptors’ new National Basketball Association Development League (NBA D-League) franchise, Raptors 905, to Mississauga.

A partnership between the City of Mississauga, Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE) and the Toronto Raptors will see the Raptors 905 play their home games at the City’s Hershey Centre starting this fall.

“We are thrilled to welcome the Raptors 905 to Mississauga. Our city has always been a leader and it is an honour to be the home of Canada’s first NBA D-League team,” said Mayor Bonnie Crombie. “Mississauga has a strong sporting community and through this new partnership with MLSE and the Toronto Raptors, we will continue to strengthen this community and promote basketball with our youth. We will also raise the profile of sport in Mississauga and attract basketball fans from across the GTA and beyond to our great city.”

“We are excited about entering into this partnership with the City of Mississauga,” said Masai Ujiri, Toronto Raptors President & General Manager. “Thank you to Mayor Bonnie Crombie and City Council for your co-operation. The popularity of basketball is growing rapidly across the 905 region and we are thrilled that Mississauga will be at the centre of this movement.”

In addition to games at the Hershey Centre, the City of Mississauga, MLSE and the Toronto Raptors will work together to deliver a variety of community-based programming including local basketball events and outreach initiatives.

“We know the value and benefit sport provides. This partnership with MLSE and the Raptors will have a positive impact on our city and help us build strong and healthy communities,” Crombie said. “It offers fans another exciting, affordable, family-friendly sports entertainment option right here in Mississauga.”