The Philippines is set to host a landmark moment in Asian basketball as the B.League stages its first-ever overseas regular season games in Manila this 2026.
Scheduled on September 9 and 10 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, the event marks a major step for the Japanese league as it expands its reach beyond its home country, bringing elite club competition directly to Filipino fans for the very first time.
The showcase, officially branded as the B.LEAGUE MANILA GAMES 2026, will feature a familiar mix of international and Filipino-linked talent. Among those expected to take center stage are Gilas Pilipinas Men standouts Dwight Ramos, suiting up for Levanga Hokkaido, and AJ Edu, who will play for Gunma Crane Thunders—setting up a unique crossover where national team teammates turn opponents on the club stage.
The timing of the event also carries symbolic weight, coinciding with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic normalization between Japan and the Philippines. Organizers say the games are not only about basketball, but also about celebrating a growing sporting and cultural bridge between the two nations.
The B.League emphasized that the Philippines was a natural choice for its first overseas venture due to the deep connection already formed through Filipino players competing in Japan under the Asia Special Quota system.
“We are truly delighted to host B.LEAGUE’s first-ever overseas games in the Philippines, a country filled with passion for basketball. The Philippines has produced more Asia Special Quota players for B.LEAGUE than any other country/region, creating a special bond between us,” said B.League chairman Shinji Shimada.
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B.LEAGUE IN MANILA
Japan B.LEAGUE is bringing games overseas for the first time, with Levanga Hokkaido and Gunma Crane Thunders set for a Sept. 9-10 PH showcase as part of the league’s 10-year celebration. | via Vlon Bandivas/One Sports#Bリーグ #bleague pic.twitter.com/3sknlG7MvC
— One Sports (@OneSportsPHL) May 21, 2026
“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.”
Shimada also pointed to the significance of holding the games at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, a venue etched in basketball history after hosting the Final phase of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023.
“The games will be held at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, a very special venue that hosted the Final of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023, hosted by Japan and the Philippines. It is a great honor for us to stage B.LEAGUE games at such an iconic arena,” he added.
“We hope many fans will come to the venue and experience the excitement and appeal of B.LEAGUE firsthand.”
With anticipation already building, the Manila Games are shaping up not just as a basketball event, but as a historic meeting point of two basketball-loving nations sharing one stage.
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