Raptors Release Team-Branded Sports Hijabs To Promote Inclusivity

The Raptors on Friday released a team-branded Nike Pro Hijab, the "first of its kind in the NBA," according to Ted Fraser of the TORONTO STAR. MLSE Senior Dir of Marketing Jerry Ferguson said that the sports hijab had been in the works "since the playoffs this past spring." Ferguson added that the inspiration to release the hijab "came from the Hijabi Ballers," referring to a "group of young Muslim women in Toronto who play basketball every Sunday, and advocate for increased participation of Muslim women in sports." Hijabi Ballers "helped to design the black hijab" -- which will be priced at C$39.99 at Scotiabank Arena (TORONTO STAR, 9/14). The Raptors said that the new line of team-branded hijabs is "part of an effort to be more inclusive to fans of all cultures." Ferguson said that the Raptors organization "wants to send a message of inclusion to its diverse fan base, which grew substantially during last season's run to the team's first NBA title" (AP, 9/14).