A new landscape is taking shape.
On October 17th, a press conference was held to announce the licensing clubs for the new B1 “B.LEAGUE PREMIER” that will start in the fall of 2026.
The B League has been reforming its league with the aim of becoming the second league in the world after the NBA in the United States. A major feature is the abolition of the promotion/delegation system based on competitive performance. By eliminating the risk of relegation, clubs will be able to invest with a long-term perspective. In order to avoid relegation, priority is given to strengthening the team by reinforcing players, and business expansion will not be put on the backburner.
Chairman Shinji Shimada explains.
“From 2016, we have placed arenas at the top of our growth strategy, moving away from the European-style open business model adopted by the J.League, and have divided categories with an emphasis on business.This is a first in the world of sports. This is a challenge.”
In order to enter B Premier, teams must meet conditions such as the average number of attendees per game, annual sales, and the maintenance of a home arena. The clubs announced this time are those that passed the screening to compete in the B Premier League in the 26-27 season, the first year of the renewal.
When league reform was announced in July 2023, it was stated that the B Premier would have a maximum of 18 teams. As a result, the tournament started with 22 teams, more than originally planned. Chairman Shimada says, “I view it positively.”
“It’s an expansion type that allows players to enter the club gradually if they meet the standards, so we expected the number to increase rapidly, but until two years ago, we couldn’t have imagined that we would reach this point in 2026. Given that we were allowing the numbers to increase, we welcome the fact that the pace has sped up.”
Of the 24 clubs competing in B1 in the currently ongoing 24-25 season, 18 clubs received the award. In addition, four clubs from B2 were named: Altiri Chiba, Toyama Grouses, Shinshu Brave Warriors, and Kobe Stokes.
22 clubs with B Premier licenses (Annual championship year in parentheses)
●Issued at the first screening
Utsunomiya Brex (16-17, 21-22)
Chiba Jets (20-21)
Alvark Tokyo (17-18, 18-19)
Kawasaki Brave Thunders
Ryukyu Golden Kings (22-23)
●Issued at the second screening
Levanga Hokkaido
Sendai 89ERS
Gunma Crane Sanders
Altiri Chiba
Sunrockers Shibuya
Yokohama B Corsairs
Shinshu Brave Warriors
Sanen Neo Phoenix
Nagoya Diamond Dolphins
Shimane Susanoo Magic
Hiroshima Dragonflies (23-24)
Saga Ballooners
●Issued at the 3rd screening
Toyama Grouses
Seahorse Mikawa
Shiga Lakes
kobe stokes
Nagasaki Veruca
Chiba Jets home arena “LaLa arena TOKYO-BAY”
Chairman Shimada explains, “During this review, there are almost no clubs that wanted to enter B Premier but were not issued a license.Many clubs are looking to join B Premier at the next opportunity.” Currently, six clubs belonging to B1 have not been issued a license, but he mentioned the possibility that the number of clubs will increase further during the fourth round of examination in December this year.
The new top category is named “B Premier” and consists of three categories: “B League One (B One)” and “B League NEXT (B NEXT).” Since it is an expansion type, there is no chance of being demoted to a lower league, but there are hurdles to overcome in order to continue competing in the B Premier League. They must pass a continuing qualification examination held in October every year.
If a team fails to meet attendance and sales standards set by the B League, fines will be imposed. If a team does not meet standards for three consecutive seasons, it will be demoted. Chairman Shimada says, “It’s not OK to enter B Premier, but we have to continue to maintain an appropriate level.” Each club will maintain a level befitting the name B Premier in both competition and business.
At the same time, the B League is looking at the B Premier from a broader perspective. The B League is moving from four perspectives: “all fans who love basketball,” “everyone who lives in that era,” “all regions with B League clubs,” and “all parties who support the league.” The team envisions a vision for Japan to grow beyond just the B League and the sports world.
Chairman Shimada speaks.
“What I have valued above all else is the growth of Club B. Without the growth of the club, we will not be able to repay the support of the local community. Another thing is to strengthen the Japanese national team. No matter how popular the league is, it has to contribute to the strengthening of the Japanese national team, and it must be a social league that contributes to society.We have reached this point by striving for these three things. I was able to do that.”
Officials from clubs that have been granted B Premier licenses have also renewed their resolve. Seiya Tamura, president and representative director of the Chiba Jets, said with a sigh of relief, “Entering the B Premier League was one of our major goals,” and vowed further growth.
“As a club, we aim not only to deliver victories in games, but also to be number one in every aspect, including entertainment at the box office and hospitality on the business side.Furthermore, we aim to make the B.League the world’s second-largest club after the NBA. In order to achieve our vision, we will strive to become a club that leads the B.League.”
Kunihiko Hayashi, President and Representative Director of Alvark Tokyo, says, “Licensing is not the goal, but the real deal.” The new home arena, TOYOTA ARENA TOKYO, is currently under construction and is scheduled to open in the fall of 2025. This venue will also be shared with Sunrockers Shibuya as their home arena.
“In terms of club management, for the first time in the B League, we will take on the challenge of integrated management of a team by a single club and an arena business by a privately owned and operated privately owned club. As the business operator of the dream arena, I want to liven up Tokyo and become a club that represents Japan.”
The Ryukyu Golden Kings will use the Okinawa Arena, a multipurpose facility that meets NBA standards, as their home arena. President and Representative Director Satoshi Shiraki thanked the local government and fans for their support, saying, “This wonderful arena is the reason we were able to issue the license.”
“We want to become even stronger while valuing our activity philosophy of “Make Okinawa more energetic!” We want to become the number one team in Asia, so we are working hard to play basketball together with the people of Okinawa. I want to liven up the B League.”
The “Resona Group B.LEAGUE 2024-25 Season”, which started in early October, recorded the highest total number of visitors for B1 and B2 in the first round. Arenas across the country are filled with excitement, and the progress towards the B Premier is gaining momentum.
