BIO

Savanna Hamilton is a trailblazer in sports media, recognized as the first Black woman to serve as a national sideline reporter for Sportsnet’s Toronto Raptors broadcasts and the first full-time Black female host on NBA TV Canada. 

Known for her dynamic on-air presence and deep commitment to inclusivity, she brings visibility to diverse voices and stories that intersect sports, culture, and social justice.

A former host and producer with Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE), Savanna created influential content like Three Course Conversation for the Toronto Maple Leafs and Hold Space: Celebrating Game Changers, a cross-team panel series spotlighting changemakers across the Raptors, Leafs, TFC, and Argos. She also developed The Raptors 905 Podcast, launched SWISH: Inside the WNBA - Canada’s first national women’s basketball show - and hosted Raptors Today, NBA TV Canada’s flagship program from 2020–2022.

Before covering the Toronto Raptors nationally, she served as a sideline reporter for both the Raptors 905 and Scarborough Shooting Stars. Her authentic storytelling and athlete-first approach resonate deeply with audiences and help reframe who gets centered in sports media.

Inspired by groundbreaking women of color like Cari Champion and Ros Gold-Onwude, Savanna’s passion for representation is evident in her work with the Raptors’ Black Lives Matter campaigns, Women’s History Month activations, and mentorship of young journalists. A former varsity basketball player and proud graduate of Toronto Metropolitan University’s Sport Media program, she helped lead her team to an OUA Provincial Championship and a U SPORTS National Silver medal.

In May 2024, she launched her first youth basketball program at TMU, underscoring her dedication to giving back and uplifting the next generation of athletes. She also engages over 130,000 followers on TikTok, where she blends charisma, comedy, and commentary on topics both inside and far beyond the game. Whether on screen or behind the scenes, Savanna is redefining the playbook and creating space for future storytellers to thrive.