TOKYO - The B.League will host its first overseas games in September in the Philippines as Japan's top basketball competition seeks to raise its international profile while bolstering ties with the 2023 World Cup co-host.
Levanga Hokkaido will face Gunma Crane Thunders in preseason games Sept. 9-10 at SM Mall of Asia Arena in Manila, the venue for the FIBA Basketball World Cup final, in a year marking the 70th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between Japan and the Philippines.
"We are truly delighted to host B.League's first-ever overseas games in the Philippines, a country filled with passion for basketball," B.League Commissioner Shinji Shimada said in May.
Levanga's Dwight Ramos and Gunma Crane Thunders' A.J. Edu are among the latest Filipino players to compete in the B.League. The Philippines is known for its passion for basketball and co-hosted the World Cup with Japan and Indonesia.
The B.League said a survey conducted in June 2025 found its recognition level in the Philippines at 65.5 percent, even higher than in Japan.
"The Philippines has produced more Asia Special Quota players for the B.League than any other country or region, creating a special bond between us," Shimada said.
"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."
The new B.League season starts later in September with a revamped format featuring the top-tier 26-team B.League Premier, which is split into Eastern and Western conferences.
