Skip to main content

Report: Unvaccinated NBA Players Will Remain Ineligible to Play in Toronto, League Says

The NBA has reportedly reminded teams that unvaccinated players will still be unable to play in Toronto against the Raptors this season

The NBA has reminded teams that unvaccinated players will once again be prohibited from entering Canada to play the Toronto Raptors next season under the current federal guidelines, according to Bleacher Report's Jake Fischer.

Both the Canadian and United States federal governments continue to prohibit unvaccinated people from crossing the border for athletic purposes.

It's unclear exactly how many players were prohibited from entering the Canada last season, but the rule did force the Philadelphia 76ers to play in Toronto without Matisse Thybulle who was unvaccinated as of the NBA post-season.

Multiple Major League Baseball players have been barred entry into Canada to play the Toronto Blue Jays this year. 

Last season the Raptors were 100% fully vaccinated as of the start of the NBA season and therefore had no issues crossing the border. In theory, any unvaccinated Raptors player would be unable to travel across the border throughout the season, meaning everyone on Toronto's roster must be vaccinated in order to participate in games.

The NBA reached at least 97% fully vaccinated last season, per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski. In order to be considered fully vaccinated for travel players must have received two doses of an approved vaccine or one dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine and wait the required 14 days following the final dose.

Further Reading

Report: Kevin Durant reiterates trade request, Raptors remain a 'significant candidate' for trade

Scottie Barnes has been preparing for more 'Point Scottie' next season, his trainer explains

Raptors should have a 'little specialness' this season, Nick Nurse says

Trainer details Scottie Barnes' offensive mindset going into sophomore season