B.LEAGUE takes historic leap overseas with Manila games

By Edwin Rollon

The Philippines’ deep-rooted passion for basketball will take center stage as Japan’s B.LEAGUE makes a historic international breakthrough, bringing its first-ever official overseas games to Manila on Sept. 9 and 10 at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The landmark two-game series between the Gunma Crane Thunders, led by Filipino-American standout EJ Edu, and Hokkaido, featuring Filipino star Dwight Ramos, is more than just a showcase of Japanese professional basketball.

It represents another major step in the B.LEAGUE’s international expansion and highlights the growing basketball ties between Japan and the Philippines as the two countries celebrate the 70th Anniversary of Japan-Philippines Diplomatic Relations.

With the Philippines regarded as one of Asia’s biggest basketball markets and a growing pipeline of Filipino players competing in Japan, the B.LEAGUE sees Manila as a natural venue for strengthening its international presence and connecting with a passionate new generation of fans.

“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 B.LEAGUE Chairman Shinji Shimada.

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

He expressed his appreciation to the Philippine basketball community, the players, and everyone involved in bringing the historic project to Manila.

“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.

For Shimada, staging the games in one of the Philippines’ most iconic sporting venues is also an opportunity to introduce the B.LEAGUE brand and its style of play directly to Filipino basketball fans.

“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,” he said.

Basketball as a bridge between two nations

The Manila Games come at a significant time for Japan and the Philippines, which are marking seven decades of diplomatic relations.

Over the years, basketball has emerged as one of the strongest cultural and sporting connections between the two nations. The B.LEAGUE has further strengthened that relationship through the participation of Filipino players, particularly under its Asia Special Quota program.

Ramos, who is also part of the Philippine national team bound for the 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya, knows firsthand the special connection between Filipino fans and Japanese basketball.

“We’re proud and happy to play in front of Filipino fans. We try to give our best for the fans,” said Ramos.

The Hokkaido standout will have the opportunity to perform in front of the same passionate basketball audience that has followed his career with the Philippine national team.

For Edu, the occasion carries an even more personal meaning.

The Gunma Crane Thunders big man is expecting members of his mother’s family to be at the Mall of Asia Arena, making his B.LEAGUE debut on Philippine soil an emotional experience.

“I feel a mix of emotions and excitement. My lola, my uncle and cousins are sure coming to see me play,” said Edu.

A new chapter for B.LEAGUE

The Manila Games underline the B.LEAGUE’s ambition to expand beyond Japan and bring its brand of professional basketball to international audiences.

The Philippines, with its enormous basketball following and established links to Japanese basketball through Filipino players, offers an ideal platform for that expansion.

For Filipino fans, meanwhile, the games provide a rare opportunity to watch B.LEAGUE action up close while cheering for two familiar faces who have become important links between Philippine and Japanese basketball.

Many anticipate the Gunma-Hokkaido series to be more than a two-game exhibition of talent and competition. It is a celebration of basketball, friendship and 70 years of Japan-Philippines diplomatic relations, while opening a new chapter in the B.LEAGUE’s growing international journey.

Both games will tip off at 7 p.m. at the Mall of Asia Arena, with Filipino fans expected to pack the venue and witness firsthand the speed, skill, and competitiveness of Japan’s professional basketball league.