NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s jersey is now on display in Toronto

Home Game: Toronto Loves Basketball, a new exhibition from the Museum of Toronto, is a full-court tribute to the sport’s deep roots and soaring influence across the city. Far more than just a Raptors highlight reel, the installation showcases the game’s evolution from local courts to global fame.

“We wanted to go beyond just Raptors glory,” says production lead Davin Henson. “There’s a rich history here, including the Toronto Huskies, founded in 1946; high school legends; women’s leagues; and grassroots court culture.”

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Curated in collaboration with SportsCentre anchor Kayla Grey, sports writer Katie Heindl, author Perry King and York University’s school of arts dean Sarah Bay-Cheng, the exhibition unpacks how basketball has shaped Toronto’s identity across generations.

The immersive space features a written reproduction of founder James Naismith’s original 13 rules of basketball, the sneakers that defined various eras, a poster from a U of T women’s game from the 1930s (tickets were just 15 cents) and vintage Raptors swag.

Contemporary pieces round out the story: NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Team Canada jersey hangs near a Scottie Barnes Raptors jersey and newly minted WNBA Toronto Tempo apparel. And there are written tributes to legendary Raptor Vince Carter, courtside hype man Drake and Nakissa Koomalsingh, founder of Canada’s first semi-pro women’s league.

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“We tried to pull pieces from all demographics who play the game,” says Henson. “From the street to the stars—Toronto truly loves basketball.”

The exhibition runs at the Harbourfront Centre until October 12.