TORONTO, ONTARIO – OCTOBER 13: The Raptor, mascot for the Toronto Raptors, waves a “We The North” flag before the Raptors play the Chicago Bulls in their NBA basketball pre-season game at Scotiabank Arena on October 13, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mark Blinch/Getty Images)
The mayor of Kansas City wants to house the Raptors next season.
The Toronto Raptors may need a temporary home in the United States for the 2020-21 season. The Blue Jays played the 2020 MLB season in Buffalo and even with time on their side, the Raptors may end up facing the reality of the border not being open for non-essential travel.
Thus, the team has suitors here in the States. Buffalo has once again thrown its hat in the ring and an interesting city is making a strong push. That would be Kansas City and the mayor has formally invited the Raptors to town.
Raptors could move to Missouri for a year
We The North in the heartland? Kansas City is now a legitimate option thanks to its local government. Patrick Mahomes even supports the idea and he is essentially a town leader in his own right.
Buffalo still seems like the most logical home due to its proximity to Toronto. However, it will likely come down to the available facilities if fans won’t be attending for much of the season anyway.
The last time the NBA was in Kansas City was back when the Kings called the city home from 1972-1985. Then came the move to Sacramento and the city has been seeking a team since.
There is still some uncertainty regarding whether Toronto can in fact host the Raptors. Playing in the U.S. may end up being the easier option when considering things can change with the border if there is a surge in COVID-19 cases.
Getting the NBA in Kansas City and the operation going smoothly would put the city in line for any potential expansion. A similar situation worked out for Oklahoma City after housing the New Orleans Hornets following Hurricane Katrina.
The Raptors should once again be title contenders and calling Kansas City home would give fans in the area the possibility of seeing several championships in one year.