The Japan Professional Basketball League, more popularly known as the B.LEAGUE, is bringing its first-ever overseas games to the Philippines on Sept. 9-10 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in a historic celebration of basketball and friendship between Japan and the Philippines.
League chairman Shinji Shimada announced that Levanga Hokkaido and Gunma Crane Thunders will square off as part of the league’s 10th anniversary festivities.
The landmark event also coincides with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic normalization between Japan and the Philippines, further highlighting the deepening relationship between the two nations through sports and cultural exchange.
Under the banner “TWO NATIONS, ONE BEAT,” the B.LEAGUE Manila Games 2026 aims to celebrate the shared passion for basketball among Filipino and Japanese fans while strengthening the connection forged by the growing number of Filipino imports playing in Japan’s premier professional basketball league.
Over the years, Filipino players competing in the B.LEAGUE have helped bridge the two basketball-loving nations, inspiring fans both on and off the court and creating lasting ties between the Philippines and Japan.
“We are truly delighted to host B.LEAGUE’s first-ever overseas games in the Philippines, a country filled with a passion for basketball,” said Shimada.
“The Philippines has produced more Asia Special Quota players than any other country or region, creating a special bond between us. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to everyone in the Philippine basketball community for their tremendous support in making this project possible, as well as to all the players who have served as bridges between our two nations,” he added.
Shimada also expressed excitement over staging the historic games at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, one of Asia’s premier sporting venues and the site of the Finals of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 co-hosted by Japan and the Philippines.
“It is a great honor for us to stage B.LEAGUE games at such an iconic arena. We hope many fans will come to the venue and experience the excitement and appeal of B.LEAGUE firsthand,” said Shimada.
For inquiries and additional details, fans may contact the B.LEAGUE International Development Group through its official email at
