B.LEAGUE Bringing First-Ever Overseas Games to Manila in 2026

The B.LEAGUE announced on Wednesday that it will host the “B.LEAGUE MANILA GAMES 2026” at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on September 9 and 10, 2026, marking the first overseas games in league history.

Japanese clubs Levanga Hokkaido and Gunma Crane Thunders are set to face off in the two-game showcase, with tip-off scheduled for 7 p.m. local time on both days.

The event comes during a landmark period for the league, with B.LEAGUE preparing to launch its new B.PREMIER era next season while also coinciding with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic normalization between Japan and the Philippines.

B.LEAGUE chairman Shinji Shimada said the Philippines was a natural choice for the league’s first overseas games because of the country’s deep basketball culture and strong connection with Japanese basketball in recent years.

“We are truly delighted to host B.LEAGUE’s first-ever overseas games in the Philippines, a country filled with passion for basketball,” Shimada said in the official release.

“The Philippines has produced more Asia Special Quota players for B.LEAGUE than any other country/region, creating a special bond between us.”

Over the past several years, a growing number of Filipino players have suited up in Japan through the league’s Asia Special Quota system, helping strengthen ties between both basketball communities while also expanding the popularity of the B.LEAGUE among Filipino fans.

Under the slogan “TWO NATIONS, ONE BEAT,” the event is being positioned as a celebration of the shared love for basketball between Japan and the Philippines.

The concept of the event, according to the league, is “One Bridge Connecting Two Nations.”

Shimada also highlighted the significance of hosting the games at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, one of the most recognizable basketball venues in the country after serving as the site of the Final of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023.

“It is a great honor for us to stage B.LEAGUE games at such an iconic arena,” Shimada said. “We hope many fans will come to the venue and experience the excitement and appeal of B.LEAGUE firsthand.”

The event will be organized by B.LEAGUE with support from the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP), the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), and the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines.

Ticket details are tentatively scheduled to be announced in June 2026. The league also noted that participating players will reflect each club’s official 2026-27 season roster.