The Toronto Raptors announced the launch of a new line of team-branded hijabs (headscarves) in collaboration with Nike multinational sportswear and accessories company. Noting, that the latter has kicked off last February a ‘Pro Hijab’ brand for female Muslim hijab-wearing athletes which gained large success in the markets despite the controversial step by the US sports giant. The Canadian team (plays with NBA) released a promotional tape on social media last Friday unveiling the athletic hijab which was reportedly inspired by a group of Muslim women and girls in Toronto known as Hijabi Ballers. Hence, the Toronto Raptors became the first NBA team to cater athletic hijabs for Muslim women. On the subject, Amreen Qadwa, founder of Hijabi Ballers, said the Raptors’ supporting move helps women basketball players to play with greater confidence. (Al Akhbar, September 16, 2019)