It is coming to the Philippines later this year.
On Thursday, May 21, the Japan B. League officially announced its forthcoming plans in the Philippines.
The teams of two Filipino “Special Quota Players” will battle it out at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on September 9 and 10.
AJ Edu’s Gunma Crane Thunders and Dwight Ramos’ Levanga Hokkaido will be playing against each other in the two-game affair.
In its website, the Japan B.League said, “One Bridge Connecting Two Nations
In the 10-year history of the B.LEAGUE, numerous Filipino players have taken on the challenge of the league, touching the hearts of Japanese fans both on and off the court — building an irreplaceable bond.“
“Building on this connection, and to mark a milestone anniversary for the B.LEAGUE, we will host our first-ever international home game in Manila,” it continued.
The basketball tournament disclosed that its goal is to unite the “passion of basketball lovers from both nations” with a single, powerful “bridge” to create a special space where Filipino and Japanese fans get to share the “pure joy of the game.”
Meanwhile, B.League chairman Shinji Shimada said, “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,” the official added.
According to the website, ticket selling for both games will start in mid-June.