Ramos vs. Edu to Feature in B.League’s First-Ever Games Abroad

Japan’s B.League is set to make history in 2026, announcing its first-ever regular season games outside Japan, with the Philippines selected as the inaugural destination.

The “B.LEAGUE MANILA GAMES 2026” will take place on September 9 and 10 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, marking a major milestone in the league’s international expansion efforts.

The two-game series will spotlight a Filipino-flavored showdown in Japan’s top-tier league, with Dwight Ramos and Levanga Hokkaido taking on AJ Edu and the Gunma Crane Thunders.

These Manila games come at a pivotal moment for Japanese basketball, coinciding with the 2026–27 season’s launch of the rebranded B.Premier, formerly known as B.League Division 1.

Beyond the sport itself, the event holds cultural significance, aligning with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic normalization between Japan and the Philippines, highlighting the strengthening ties between the two nations through basketball.

The league noted that the choice of Manila was driven by the growing basketball connection between the countries, exemplified by the rising number of Filipino players in Japan via the Asia Special Quota program.

With the theme “Two Nations, One Beat,” the B.LEAGUE MANILA GAMES 2026 aims to celebrate a shared passion for basketball while deepening the bond between Japanese and Filipino fans.

“We are thrilled to host B.LEAGUE’s first overseas games in the Philippines, a nation that lives and breathes basketball. The Philippines has produced more Asia Special Quota players than any other country, creating a unique connection with our league,” said Shinji Shimada.

He added, “We sincerely thank the Philippine basketball community for their incredible support in bringing this project to life, and we recognize the players who have served as bridges between our nations.”

Shimada also highlighted the significance of the chosen venue:

“The games will be held at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, a historic venue that hosted the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup Final, co-hosted by Japan and the Philippines. It is an honor to stage B.LEAGUE games at such an iconic arena.”

“We look forward to welcoming fans to witness the excitement and energy of B.LEAGUE in person.”