Savanna Hamilton is a trailblazer in sports media, currently serving as a Sideline Reporter for Sportsnet’s broadcasts of the Toronto Raptors and the first Black female host on NBA TV Canada. Known for her dynamic presence and commitment to inclusivity, she amplifies diverse voices and meaningful stories that intersect sports, culture, and social issues.
As a former Producer and Host 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 series featuring all MLSE teams. She also developed The Raptors 905 Podcast and launched SWISH: Inside the WNBA on NBA TV Canada, the country’s first women’s basketball show. In 2020, she was the host of NBA TV Canada's flagship show Raptors Today. Before reporting for the Toronto Raptors, she served as a sideline reporter for the Raptors 905 and the Scarborough Shooting Stars. Her authentic storytelling connects with audiences while highlighting underrepresented voices.
Inspired by trailblazing women of color like Cari Champion and Ros-Gold Onwude, Savanna’s passion for representation in sports media is evident in her work with the Toronto Raptors’ Black Lives Matter initiatives and Women’s History Month campaigns. A former basketball player and graduate of Toronto Metropolitan University’s Sports Media program, she won an OUA Provincial Championship and a U Sports National Silver medal.
In May 2024, Savanna launched her first community basketball program for kids, showcasing her dedication to giving back and inspiring the next generation of athletes. She also engages a TikTok following of over 130K, where she addresses topics both within and outside of sports, blending humor with serious conversations. Beyond her on-camera work, she advocates for diversity in media and mentors young women pursuing careers in sports journalism. She continues to break barriers in the industry, using her platform to inspire change and future storytellers.