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Toronto Raptors: 4th biggest market, 14th most valued franchise

By Graeme Klayh

Apr 18, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; A general view of the Air Canada Centre prior to game one of the first round of the NBA Playoffs between the Washington Wizards and Toronto Raptors. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 18, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; A general view of the Air Canada Centre prior to game one of the first round of the NBA Playoffs between the Washington Wizards and Toronto Raptors. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Toronto Raptors rank 4th in market size in North America, yet have the 14th ranked valuation of their NBA franchise. With other large market teams coming first and second, there are some factors in play.

Forbes unveiled their valuation of NBA franchises earlier this week with the New York Knicks coming in first at a valuation of $3 billion, and followed by the Los Angeles Lakers at $2.7 billion. Down the list the Toronto Raptors are listed at 14th in rank at $980 million.

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The Toronto Raptors enjoy being the 4th largest city in North America (3rd with NBA franchises) and are continually fighting to compete with the other major sports in the city. The Toronto Maple Leafs and Toronto Blue Jays are storied franchises that have been around for ages, while the Toronto Raptors are just barely legal to drink in Ontario.

Maple Leafs

Jan 21, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender James Reimer (34) during a break in the action against the Carolina Hurricanes at the Air Canada Centre. Carolina defeated Toronto 1-0 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 21, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender James Reimer (34) during a break in the action against the Carolina Hurricanes at the Air Canada Centre. Carolina defeated Toronto 1-0 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports /

The ongoing competition with the Maple Leafs is well documented, especially as the Leafs have not won anything in almost 50 years (and going though yet another rebuilding, top to bottom). As they both play during the same season, the Leafs enjoy dominating the ‘Hockey Town’ with exuberant ticket prices and unwavering fan allegiance.

Blue Jays

Oct 14, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays right fielder Jose Bautista (19) reacts after hitting a three run home run during the seventh inning against the Texas Rangers in game five of the ALDS at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 14, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays right fielder Jose Bautista (19) reacts after hitting a three run home run during the seventh inning against the Texas Rangers in game five of the ALDS at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /

The Toronto Blue Jays were one of the best teams in baseball during the late 80’s to early 90’s. They capped off their incredible run with World Championships in 92′ and 93′, and you could see the excitement of their latest playoff run from all over the world (living in Korea, there was huge prevalence in the ex-pat community). The team has a history where the parents telling 20-somethings stories of the glory years and the gool ol’ days.

And so…

You can see why these franchises rank above the Toronto Raptors among fans. Even though the Raptors are enjoying their best years, they also haven’t won anything, not even a playoff round in over 15 years. Those 15 years have developed an influx of Canadian basketball talent, and you can see the fans having been jolted awake to basketball all thanks to Vince Carter. Young Carter fans are now adults and the franchise will grow with them.

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The franchise will trend upward as long as they remain this successful route. The fans are growing still and ‘Canada’s team’ has developed a nation-wide brand that we all can identify with. The Raptors organization is in its infancy still and has proven that they are at least more successful than 16 other teams, but should be able to be top 5 one day.

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