Drake is well known for his music, but did you know he loves the NBA and esports, too? It’s not common to see a famous rapper like Drake start a career in gaming or invest in a basketball team, but he is doing it all. Lifting basketball culture in Canada, Drake is leaving his legacy in sports. But when did he turn into a superfan, and how did he gain influence? Let’s look deeper into Drake’s life as a sports fanatic and a well-known public figure.

Drake’s Deep Connection with the NBA

Drake has had an infatuation with basketball long before he started his music career. While growing up in Toronto, his pastime was idolizing NBA players, which fueled his desire to one day be part of the sport. Years later, he began pursuing a music career but never lost interest in basketball. After all, you can do many things at once, so we advise you to relieve stress after a working day and play at the best online casino. There, thousands of slots, games with live dealers, the best table games, and much more are already waiting for you. The variety in this casino amazes even the most demanding players, and we are sure it will amaze you, too. Dive right in today, and we will return to Drake.

Drake’s interest in the game eventually bore fruit as he started being invited into the celebrity section of NBA games. This furthered his relations with the players and the league. His outrageous sideline vocals, verbal jabs, and general showmanship made him a fan favorite at Raptors games. He became more than just a spectator. In 2013, he was given the honorary title of Global Ambassador, which officially made him an affiliate of the Toronto Raptors franchise. This gave him further freedom to change the team’s stigma. Merchandise sales increased by nearly thirty percent after the endorsement, transforming the status and power of the team.

From Courtside Seats to Raptors’ Global Ambassador

Drake is deeply committed to the Raptors, and their loyalty is mutual. Here are a few examples:

1. 2013 Global Ambassador Appointment – The Raptors created a new position specifically to name Drake as their first-ever Global Ambassador.
2. ‘Drake Night’ at Scotiabank Arena – The franchise holds a special event every year in his honor due to his impact on the team and city.
3. Designing Raptors Jerseys – He partnered with OVO and the NBA to design exclusive jerseys that were released alongside the 2022 playoffs, which sold out in hours.
4. Influence on Player Recruitment – He was essential for bringing stars like Kawhi Leonard and was, therefore, partially responsible for the team winning the NBA Championship in 2019.

Drake’s contributions put him in the ranks of not just a celebrity fan but now a major player in the success of the Raptors. Following the team’s 2013 Global Ambassador appointment, the Raptors’ desired value ballooned to over $3 billion, making them one of the most sought-after franchises in the NBA.

His Friendships with NBA Superstars

Drake knows a lot of NBA players beyond the Raptors franchise, in which he holds a stake. He is closely associated with a few of the strongest names in the industry and often works out, vacations, or engages in friendly banter with them.

Drake’s connection with other players, like LeBron James, is known to everyone because he was often spotted attending LeBron’s games and was even featured on the series The Shop with LeBron. Steph Curry is another friend of his, as they often engage in friendly banter on and off the court. One more star, Kevin Durant, is also friends with Drake and is often showcased in his social media posts. Coming back to the other side of the spectrum, Drake has openly had beef with other players like Draymond Green. This all shows how connected but, at the same time, disconnected Drake is from the NBA.

Drake’s Investment in Esports and Gaming

Drake’s love for competition goes beyond basketball—he is also very involved in the gaming industry. As esports developed into a multi-billion-dollar industry, he has placed himself as a major investor in the field.

In 2018, he became a co-owner of 100 Thieves, one of the best esports organizations in the world. His investment in the brand was integral, helping it gain sponsorships as well as attracting high-class talent. He has also streamed Fortnite matches with gaming influencers, such as Ninja, which broke Twitch’s viewership records. Now, as esports tournaments are paying millions, Drake is pushing hip-hop culture into the world of competitive gaming. Gaming is not just a side hustle for him but rather a focus of his growing business endeavors.

How He Influences Sports Culture Through Music

The impact of Drake in sports also shows in his music, where he talks about the basketball greats and their milestones:

1. LeBron James Mentions – Weston Road Flows is one of the many songs that show how much he admires the NBA superstar.
2. Steph Curry Shoutouts – He mentions the MVP of the Golden State Warriors in his song 0 to 100.
3. Kawhi Leonard Tribute – After the Raptors won the championship, he released Money in the Grave to celebrate the victory.
4. Incorporating NBA Terms – He is known to use basketball terms and phrases in his music.

Drake has made a name for himself as a sports icon by merging hip-hop and basketball. His impact even goes as far as pre-game hypes, as many NBA teams use his songs to encourage the players to get excited before the game starts.

Drake’s Love for NBA 2K and Competitive Gaming

Drake has always been into gaming, and NBA 2K is one of his favorites. He plays a lot and has even been reported to play in private games and streaming sessions with basketball stars.

In 2018, he partnered with Travis Scott and LeBron James’ son, Bronny, for some of the most streamed NBA 2K games. He also helps fund NBA 2K tournaments and creates promotional material for them. It is even rumored that he has a say in which songs get featured in the game each year it is released. As video gaming and sports continue to converge, Drake has strategically placed himself at the forefront of the two businesses.

The Future of Drake’s Influence in Sports and Esports

Drake’s love for basketball and gaming has only intensified, and if anything, there are no signs of him slowing down. His love for music, courtside shenanigans, esports, and in-game collaborations makes him a torchbearer of modern sports culture. Virtual reality, streaming, and digital gaming will allow Drake to be a frontrunner in sports entertainment. He is sure to remain at the forefront as video games, movies, and sports clash together, dominating the charts, arenas, and virtual fields. The question is: What will he conquer next?