Raptors Prepare for Kyle Lowry's No. 7 Jersey Retirement Ceremony
Mike Goodpaster Published 02/09/2026
The Toronto Raptors are preparing to celebrate one of the most important figures in franchise history. Kyle Lowry's No. 7 will be raised to the rafters at Scotiabank Arena following Toronto's game against the Philadelphia 76ers on January 10, giving fans a chance to honor the player who helped turn the organization into an NBA champion.
Key Takeaways
The Toronto Raptors will retire Kyle Lowry's No. 7 jersey on January 10, honoring his significant contributions to the franchise, including their 2019 NBA championship, with a series of celebratory events.
- Kyle Lowry's No. 7 jersey will be retired by the Toronto Raptors on January 10, making him the second player in franchise history to receive this honor after Vince Carter.
- Lowry's tenure with the Raptors included six All-Star selections, seven playoff appearances, two Eastern Conference Finals, and leading the team to their first NBA championship in 2019, cementing his legacy as the 'Greatest Raptor of All Time' (GROAT).
- The Raptors are hosting three special home games from January 7-10 to celebrate Lowry, with fans receiving commemorative items like T-shirts and bobbleheads, culminating in the official jersey retirement ceremony.
A Legacy Built in Toronto
Lowry will become just the second player in Raptors history to have his jersey retired, joining Vince Carter, whose No. 15 was retired in November 2024. The honor comes after a nine-season run in Toronto during which Lowry became a six-time All-Star, made seven playoff appearances and helped the franchise reach two Eastern Conference Finals.
The biggest achievement came in 2019, when Lowry helped lead Toronto to its first NBA championship. His leadership, physical style and willingness to make the difficult plays became central to the team's identity, making him one of the most recognizable NBA Players of his generation.
Lowry finished his Raptors career as the franchise's all-time leader in assists, steals and three-point field goals made. Those numbers, combined with his role in the championship run, explain why Toronto fans have long referred to him as the GROAT, or Greatest Raptor of All Time.
From Philadelphia to Toronto and Back Again
The ceremony will have an added connection because Lowry was born in Philadelphia and finished his playing career with the 76ers. He officially retired in July 2026 after a 20-year NBA career, including time with Memphis, Houston, Toronto, Miami and Philadelphia.
The January 10 matchup therefore brings his career full circle. Lowry has described Toronto as home and has repeatedly expressed his desire to retire as a Raptor, making the jersey ceremony especially meaningful.
"I always said that Toronto is home, and that I'd retire a Raptor," Lowry said. He also credited his teammates, the organization, the city, the fans and all of Canada for helping build something special during his time with the team.
Three Games to Celebrate the GROAT
The Raptors are not limiting the celebration to one night. The team will host three special home games, giving supporters several chances to revisit the moments that defined Lowry's time in Toronto.
The first celebration takes place January 7 against the Minnesota Timberwolves, with the game scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET. Fans will receive a collectible T-shirt, while special programming and surprises will be part of the evening.
The celebration continues January 8 against the Utah Jazz, also at 7:30 p.m. ET. Fans attending that game will receive a limited-edition Lowry bobblehead, adding another collectible to the GROAT festivities.
No. 7 Takes Its Place in Raptors History
Everything leads to January 10, when Lowry, his family, former teammates and members of the Raptors organization will gather at Scotiabank Arena for the post-game ceremony. His No. 7 will then hang alongside the franchise's championship banner, permanently marking his contribution to Toronto basketball.
For NBA News followers, the event is more than a retirement ceremony. It is a recognition of an era when the Raptors developed into one of the Eastern Conference's strongest teams and eventually captured the championship that had eluded the franchise.
The Raptors are also offering one fan a chance to attend all three GROAT Nights. Contest details are expected through the team's website and social media channels, giving supporters another reason to follow the latest NBA News surrounding the celebration.
Lowry's retirement closes a remarkable playing career, but his place in Toronto history is already secure. While NBA trades and roster changes will continue to shape the Raptors in the years ahead, No. 7 will remain a reminder of the player who helped deliver the biggest achievement in franchise history.