Three prominent sports figures from Toronto have acquired a stake in the Buffalo Bills and have expressed their aim to enhance the team's presence in the Canadian market. Basketball legends Vince Carter and Tracy McGrady, both Hall of Famers who played for the Toronto Raptors, along with Jozy Altidore, a standout player for Toronto FC in Major League Soccer, are leading this new limited partnership group, which is expected to hold approximately 20% of the team.
During a press conference on Friday, Carter expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “We’ve accomplished a lot in that market. Our name is recognized, and I believe this collaboration between the Bills and our efforts in Toronto can create a strong connection.”
Carter and McGrady were instrumental in popularizing basketball in Toronto during their time with the Raptors, a franchise that began its journey in 1995. McGrady humorously recalled the challenge of converting hockey fans into basketball enthusiasts, saying, “Do you know how hard it was to change hockey fans into basketball fans? We did a great job of igniting that fanbase, and now it’s time to do it on the other side but with a different sport.”
While Toronto is home to the Canadian Football League's Argonauts, who play at BMO Field, the Bills have a history of engaging with the city. From 2008 to 2013, the team hosted a regular season game at Rogers Centre, the home of the Toronto Blue Jays. However, that series ended prematurely due to financial concerns and a lack of fan interest.
The NFL has been expanding its international reach with plans to increase the number of games played outside the United States to eight by 2025. There is speculation about whether the Bills could play in Toronto, which is just over two hours from their home stadium, but no definitive plans have been established.
The partnership group has yet to outline specific strategies for growing the Bills' brand in Toronto, but their primary objective is to cultivate a larger fanbase in the City.
Altidore highlighted the vibrant atmosphere at Toronto sports events, stating, “You go to Raptors games, the fanfare is second to none. You go to Toronto FC games, the fanfare is second to none. I think it’s going to be a real fun part, re-introducing ourselves in that market because we all have wonderful memories there. And now with a different endgame, I think we’re going to have a lot of fun tying it into one.”
Toronto Again? Buffalo Bills Minority Owners Join Forces to Boost Brand in Canada