TAMPA, FLA.—Roughly three weeks ago, Tampa sports organizers first heard from the Toronto Raptors about temporarily relocating the team to the bay area for the beginning of the NBA season.
They entered the conversations with open ears and minds, realizing the delicacy of the situation. The Raptors needed a home, and it seemed an intensifying second wave of the coronavirus pandemic might prevent them from starting their season in Toronto next month.
The Raptors hadn’t played a home game at Scotiabank Arena since Feb. 28, and returning home would help restore a sense of normalcy.