Filipino basketball star Dwight Ramos joins B.League executive officer Nao Okamoto in announcing the B.League Manila games on May 21, 2026. Kennedy Caacbay, ABS-CBN News
MANILA — Japan B.League revealed Thursday that it will hold its first-ever overseas games in Manila.
Scheduled for September 9-10 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City, B.League's Levanga Hokkaido and Gunma Crane Thunders will be duking it out in front of their Filipino fans, with Dwight Ramos and AJ Edu expected to suit up for their respective teams.
The basketball hosting celebrates the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Japan.
“We are truly delighted to host B.League’s first-ever overseas games in the Philippines, a country filled with passion for basketball,” said B.League chairman Shinji Shimada in a statement.
“The Philippines has produced more Asia Special Quota players for B.LEAGUE than any other country/region, creating a special bond between us,” he added.
Tip-off for both games is scheduled at 7 p.m.
The hosting is supported by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP), Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines, and multiple sponsors.