TORONTO – The National Basketball Association (NBA) today announced that the first “NBA Courtside Restaurant,” a premium, sports-inspired dining experience celebrating the NBA will open in Spring 2023 at 15 Queens Quay East, near the base of Yonge St. in downtown Toronto.  The 10,000 square foot space will feature a premium, sports-inspired dining experience that will celebrate the NBA through custom art and decor, a modern food and beverage program, an exclusive retail space, outdoor and private dining, and more.

NBA Courtside Restaurant will be operated by Toronto-based Urban Dining Group, a family-owned and operated business serving the Greater Toronto Area since 1989.  Toronto-based chef Erica Karbelnik, who won Top Chef Canada Season 9 and Chopped Canada Season 3, will serve as NBA Courtside Restaurant’s Culinary Ambassador and will oversee the development of a globally inspired menu.

NBA Courtside Restaurant will showcase the stages of an NBA player’s journey from dreamer to champion through artwork and décor inspired by the league and its influence on popular culture, including historic moments from NBA history.  The dining rooms will feature artwork by artists KWEST, Victor Solomon, and others.  Guests will be able to view a series of NBA Top Shot Moments featuring some of the top plays from the NBA season on display in the restaurant.  A large-scale Woodland pop art-style mural titled The Journey by Anishinaabe artist Jenny Kay Dupuis will be featured on one of the restaurant’s exterior walls.

“There’s no better location for the first NBA Courtside Restaurant than Canada, where basketball has a rich history and tradition,” said NBA Canada Senior Vice President, Leah MacNab.  “We can’t wait to welcome fans and guests from around the world to this incredible venue, where they can celebrate their shared love of the game in a unique way through a delicious meal and welcoming atmosphere.”

“It’s an honour to be a part of something in our city that is so special. Toronto loves the game. It’s part of our culture, and to showcase that in such a creative way is truly amazing,” said NBA Courtside Restaurant Culinary Ambassador, Chef Erica Karbelnik.  “From the artwork and wine to the food, this is a Toronto gem that will continue our love and passion for basketball. I am lucky to be a part of the NBA Courtside Restaurant and am excited to see what the future holds with the NBA.”

The retail space within NBA Courtside Restaurant will offer a curated collection of both Official NBA and Exclusive NBA Courtside Restaurant apparel and merchandise from 47 Brand, New Era, Mitchell & Ness and Wilson, and will feature a selection of prints and products featuring custom illustrations by Dupuis.

Fans can learn more about the NBA Courtside Restaurant and receive additional updates ahead of its opening by visiting NBArestaurant.com and by following the restaurant’s dedicated social account (@NBACourtsideRestaurant) on Instagram.

For more information about the NBA in Canada, fans can download the NBA App and follow the NBA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok.  A full range of official NBA merchandise is available at the NBA Store in Canada by visiting NBAStore.ca.

About the NBA
The National Basketball Association (NBA) is a global sports and media organization with the mission to inspire and connect people everywhere through the power of basketball.  Built around five professional sports leagues:  the NBA, WNBA, NBA G League, NBA 2K League and Basketball Africa League, the NBA has established a major international presence with games and programming available in 214 countries and territories in more than 50 languages, and merchandise for sale in more than 200 countries and territories on all seven continents.  NBA rosters at the start of the 2022-23 season feature 120 international players from 40 countries.  NBA Digital’s assets include NBA TV, NBA.com, the NBA App and NBA League Pass.  The NBA has created one of the largest social media communities in the world, with 2.1 billion likes and followers globally across all league, team, and player platforms.  Through NBA Cares, the league addresses important social issues by working with internationally recognized youth-serving organizations that support education, youth and family development, and health-related causes.