TORONTO — The National Basketball Association (NBA) today announced that the eighth NBA Canada Series presented by Bell will feature two preseason games in Edmonton and Montreal in October 2022, marking the first time the series will be held since 2019.
On Sunday, Oct. 2, the Toronto Raptors will take on the Utah Jazz at Rogers Place in Edmonton, AB, marking the first NBA Canada Series presented by Bell appearance for the Jazz and the first NBA game at Rogers Place. The Raptors currently feature 2019 NBA champion Pascal Siakam and 2021-22 NBA Rookie of the Year Scottie Barnes, in addition to Quebec-natives Chris Boucher and Khem Birch and Toronto’s Dalano Banton. The Jazz currently feature three-time NBA All-Star Donovan Mitchell and Canadian forward Nickeil Alexander-Walker.
On Friday, Oct. 14, the Raptors will face the 2022 NBA Eastern Conference champion Boston Celtics at the Bell Centre in Montreal, QC, marking the second NBA Canada Series presented by Bell appearance for the Celtics in Montreal (2013) and the league’s sixth game in Montreal since 2012. The Celtics currently feature three-time NBA All-Star and 2021-22 All-NBA First Team member Jayson Tatum, 2020-21 NBA All-Star Jaylen Brown and 2021-22 NBA Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart.
Fans in Canada can register for exclusive presale ticket access at NBA.com/CanadaSeries. Tickets for both games will go on sale Aug. 19 through Ticketmaster. In addition to presenting partner Bell, supporting partners of the NBA Canada Series include Hennessy (Montreal), Michelob Ultra, Nike and Tangerine.
The two games will mark the 10-year anniversary of the first NBA Canada Series presented by Bell game, which featured the Raptors and the New York Knicks playing a preseason game in Montreal in 2012. In total, 14 NBA teams have participated in 14 preseason games across five provinces as part of the NBA Canada Series presented by Bell, drawing a total attendance of more than a quarter of a million Canadians.
For more information, fans in Canada can follow the NBA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok. A full range of official NBA merchandise is available at the NBA Store in Canada by visiting NBAStore.ca.
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Executive and Player Quotes:
NBA Canada Managing Director Leah MacNab:?“As we approach 10 years since the first NBA Canada Series presented by Bell game, I am immensely proud of the positive impact this series continues to make on the Canadian basketball community – from first NBA experiences for fans and families, to hosting dozens of camps, community programs and court refurbishments, we appreciate the ongoing commitment of Bell and our teams to bring the thrill of live games to our dedicated fans across the country.
Bell Vice-President Brand & Sponsorship, David Kennedy:?“As a proud partner of both the Toronto Raptors and the league, we’re excited to bring the live NBA experience back to fans in Edmonton and Montréal. In addition to the games, our sponsorship of NBA Canada Series will include Bell for Better initiatives that will connect communities and inspire change through basketball.”
Toronto Raptors General Manager Bobby Webster:?“It’s so good to once again be able to play in front of our fans across Canada. We’re looking forward to returning to Montreal, and to playing at Rogers Place in Edmonton for the first time. It’s a fantastic reminder, as we begin a new season, that we are Canada’s team, and we look forward to making Raptors fans proud, no matter where they are cheering from.”
Boston Celtics President Rich Gotham:?“We’re excited to bring Celtics basketball to fans in Montreal as part of NBA Canada Series. We applaud the NBA’s continued commitment to growing the game globally.”
Utah Jazz General Manager Justin Zanik:?“We’re excited to be featured in the preseason NBA Canada Series. It is a unique opportunity for our organization to engage with the league’s Canadian fans in Edmonton. Our players and staff are looking forward to it.”
