Report: Raps recruit Drake for rebrand effort

Drake will be named the Raptors' "global ambassador"on Monday. (AP/Charles Sykes)

The Toronto Raptors are teaming up with Canadian hip-hop star Drake to help rebrand the team’s image.

According to the Toronto Star’s Cathal Kelly, Maple Leafs Sports and Entertainment will announce a partnership with Drake on Monday to coincide with Toronto being named the host city for the 2016 NBA All-Star Game.

As the team’s “global ambassador,” the Toronto-born rapper and longtime Raptors fan will act as an unofficial host, business partner and consultant for the franchise.

Among his duties, the former Degrassi star will help redesign the team’s image ahead of Toronto’s 20th anniversary next season, and will launch a Raptors-themed clothing line.

More so, MLSE is hoping the Grammy Award winner can rebuild the franchise’s global image and help make it a more desirable destination for players around the league.

The Raptors have failed to reach the post-season since 2008 and have won only one playoff series in franchise history.

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