Report: Tampa Bay emerges as most likely temporary home for Raptors

Tampa Bay appears to be the top temporary destination to host the Toronto Raptors if the team can't play this upcoming season at Scotiabank Arena due to COVID-19 travel restrictions between Canada and the United States.

The area is now the most likely home for the Raptors in 2020-21, emerging over several other potential destinations, Sportsnet's Michael Grange reports.

"Ideally, the Raptors are able to play their upcoming season in Toronto. But should that not be possible, we would have a strong interest in working to successfully meet and exceed their expectations as an alternative host," executive director of Tampa Bay Sports Commission Rob Higgins told Grange. "We’ve enjoyed our preliminary conversations with their organization and stand ready to assist if needed."

Newark, Nashville, and Louisville have all previously been reported as possible alternate destinations for Toronto to play out this season.

The Raptors are expected to resolve their arena situation before training camps begin on Dec. 1.