In December 2000, the CRTC approved an application byMaple Leaf Sports and Entertainment (MLSE) for a license to operate a specialty channel to be known as Raptors Basketball Channel, which would be devoted primarily to the Toronto Raptors basketball club and the National Basketball Association (NBA), plus coverage of other areas of the game of basketball.
The channel was launched on September 7, 2001 under the name Raptors NBA TV. On October 15, 2010, MLSE renamed the channel as NBA TV Canada.
The CRTC gave its approval on August 16th 2012 for the sale of Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment and its sports television channels, including NBA TV, to BCE Inc. and Rogers Communications.
Written by Pip Wedge – August, 2012
Ownership: Rogers Media
Start Year: 2000