Toronto Raptors

The Toronto Raptors play in the Atlantic Division of the NBA's Eastern Conference. The Toronto Raptors were established at the same time as the Vancouver Grizzlies during the NBA's Canadian expansion. Since the Grizzlies moved to Memphis is 2001, the Raptors are the only NBA team in Canada.

On December 3, 2008, the Toronto Raptors fired head coach Sam Mitchell. The team started the season with a record of 8-9. Jay Triano replaces Mitchell as head coach of the team. Triano is the first Canadian to ever be named an NBA head coach.ESPN.com: Struggling Raptors fire Mitchell just 17 games into the season (December 4, 2008)

Since their inaugural season in 1995-96, the Raptors have grown in popularity and value. After early struggles typical of an expansion team, the Raptors made the playoffs three times between 1999 and 2002. The next few seasons after that would also be a struggle, but the team made it back to the playoffs in 2006 and 2007. The Raptors have been able to maintain a steady fanbase, becoming one of the league leaders in season ticket sales for the 2007–08 season. The franchise has also increased in value from $125 million in 1998 to $315 million in 2006 and $373 million in 2007 (Forbes).