Japan’s professional basketball league, the B.League, will introduce a major innovation in its 11th season, which is set to tip off on 22 September 2026.
In a move aimed at challenging local players to improve, B.League teams will be allowed to field three registered world imports on the court at the same time.
This marks a change from the previous regulation, which limited teams to a maximum of two world imports on the floor at any given time.
According to B.League executive officer Nao Okamoto, the new system is designed to set the league apart from other Asian competitions.
Diversity is important, says B.League exec
Okamoto said the league places great importance on diversity and believes the new innovation will raise the level of competition.
The main objective of the regulation is to attract more high-level basketball players to Japan while helping develop NBA-calibre talent like Yuki Kawamura.
The change will coincide with the launch of B.League Innovation, which marks the beginning of a new era for the competition in the 2026-27 season.
As part of the initiative, the league’s 55 clubs will be divided into three tiers based on financial revenue and spectator attendance.
Under the new structure, 26 teams will compete in B.League Premier, 25 in B.League One and four in B.League Next.
The revamped format forms part of the league’s goal of building a stronger, more sustainable competition and making Japan an even more attractive destination for foreign players.
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B.League to hold Manila Games in September
Meanwhile, the B.League has announced it will stage its first overseas preseason games in Manila this September, featuring Levanga Hokkaido and Gunma Crane Thunders.
Scheduled for 9-10 September, the B.League Manila Games will take place at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The preseason showcase will have a strong Filipino flavour, with Gilas Pilipinas players Dwight Ramos and AJ Edu representing Levanga and Gunma, respectively.
Okamoto said the exhibition games aim to introduce Japanese basketball and culture to fans in Manila. In a one-on-one interview with Philippine media, the league executive said the organisation hopes to showcase the B.League’s unique style and entertainment experience to the Philippines.
He also praised the support of the Philippine Basketball Association and the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas in helping bring the event to Manila.
Ramos expressed his excitement for the preseason clash, saying he wants to give Filipino fans a glimpse of how basketball is played in Japan while also showing his Japanese teammates the passion Filipinos have for the sport.
The Gilas guard is confident fans will fill the MOA Arena for the B.League’s preseason showcase, which also coincides with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Japan.
Aside from Edu and Ramos, other Filipinos currently playing in the B.League include Kiefer Ravena, Thirdy Ravena, Bobby Ray Parks Jr., Roosevelt Adams, Matthew Wright, Jamie Malonzo, Francis Lopez and new signing Mike Phillips.
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