Raptors Superfan Nav Bhatia has not missed a basketball game in nearly 30 years and reveals how much money he has spent as a superfan of the sport.
In a captivating conversation, Brandon Gonez spoke with Bhatia on The Brandon Gonez Show about his new book, “The Heart of a Superfan: A memoir of grit, love, family and basketball.”
He also reflected on his early days in Canada, the challenges he faced as an immigrant and his strong love and connection with the Toronto Raptors.
He says he has not missed a basketball game since the team’s first home game when they joined the NBA in 1995, except for one game in 2021 due to following COVID-19 protocols to isolate.
Bhatia reflects on early days in Canada and its challenges
Bhatia says when he first arrived in Canada he was called many insensitive names regarding his appearance.
Brandon asked him how he keeps his head up so high and he responded, “When people go low, I go high,” a quote said by Michelle Obama, the former first lady of the United States.
Although he has not met her yet, he did say he has met her husband, former U.S. President Barack Obama. However, he said it’s on his bucket list to meet her someday.
The word “optimistic” came to Brandon’s mind when describing Bhatia and he said, “Of course I am. You have to have hope, my book is all about hopes.”
He also highlights that his book isn’t just about basketball, but hope, his childhood journey and revealing personal moments he shared with the late Lakers basketball star Kobe Bryant.
How much money the superfan spends on the Raptors
It’s no secret basketball tickets can be pricey, but the million dollar question some people may have is how much has he spent as a Raptors fan over nearly 30 years.
Brandon asks how the Raptors fan can afford it all and he responded, “I work very hard, I work 100 hours a week.”
Although he did not give the exact amount of money he has spent he revealed he has spent more than six figures on the sport.
“It’s my passion, I don’t do anything, I don’t drink, I don’t smoke, I don’t womanize, I only raptorize,” he said.
Bhatia also revealed that he fell in love with the sport when he first attended a game in 1995.
“I was in love with this game sooner than I was in love with my wife,” he joked with Brandon.
However, he did credit his wife and family for supporting his love of basketball and said he couldn’t have done it without their help.
How the Raptors Superfan never lost hope
In the intimate conversation with Brandon he tells him he has never lost hope even in his lowest moments.
“Even on the lowest of lowest days, I pumped myself up!” he said.
He added when he first became a car salesman he experienced a low moment coming to Canada, but since that incident he prayed to God asking for energy and strength.
“I sold 127 cars in three months, it was a record then, it still is a record!” he told Brandon.
Bhatia proudly said he now owns five dealerships and has 300 employees.
Bhatia also encourages everyone who wants to know more about the life of a Raptors superfan to pick up his book that’s available now.
To watch the full interview, head to our YouTube channel by clicking here.
