Teams
Aomori Wat's
Fukushima Fire Bonds
Bambitious Nara
Ehime Orange Vikings
Kumamoto Volters
Yamagata Wyverns
Rising Zephyr Fukuoka
Kagawa Five Arrows
Kobe Storks
Sendai 89ers
Gunma Crane Thunders
Earth Friends Tokyo Z
Shinshu Brave Warriors
Fighting Eagles Nagoya
Iwate Big Bulls
Koshigaya Alphas
Ibaraki Robots
Shimane Susanoo Magic
Hiroshima Dragonflies
Altiri Chiba
Shiga Lakes
Akita Northern Happinets
Saga Ballooners
Niigata Albirex
Kanazawa Samuraiz
Toyama Grouses
Veltex Shizuoka
Kagoshima Rebnise
Ryukyu Golden Kings
Kyoto Hannaryz
San En Neo Phoenix
Yokohama Excellence
Osaka Evessa
Yokohama B-Corsairs
Saitama Broncos
Tokyo Cinqreves
Nagasaki Velca
Tokyo Hachioji Trains
Fukui Blowwinds
Wikipedia - B.League
The B.League is a professional men's basketball league in Japan that began play in September 2016. The league is operated by the Japan Professional Basketball League and was formed as a result of a merger between the National Basketball League that was operated by the FIBA-affiliated Japan Basketball Association and the independently operated bj league. The merger had been mandated by FIBA as a condition to Japan having its membership resumed following suspension in November 2014.
History
The Japan Basketball Association was formed in 1930 and has operated Japan's top basketball leagues under various names since 1967. Throughout the history of the association, teams have been affiliated with large corporations and players have been employed by their respective owner company rather than competing as professional basketball players. In the early 1990s soccer in Japan moved away from a similar corporate structure and launched the J.League in 1993. The JBA commenced investigating the professionalization of basketball in the same year, and in 1997 lifted the ban on professional players. Despite this, the structure of the Japan Super League remained amateur in nature, with most teams remaining under the control of a corporate sponsor/owner.
In 2005 a rival bj league was launched in competition with the Super League, based on an American franchise system of professional teams. In response, the JBA re-launched the Super League as the Japan Basketball League (JBL) in 2007, but there was still a mixture of professional and corporate teams in the competition. The JBL was again rebranded as the National Basketball League in 2013. Since the establishment of the bj league in 2005, both competitions rapidly expanded the number of teams, with 45 teams participating between the two competitions in 2015.
FIBA, the international governing body for basketball, grew concerned with the division and disorganization of the sport within the country. After the JBA failed to comply with deadlines to commence reorganizing the domestic leagues, FIBA suspended Japan from international competitions in November 2014. A task force to investigate the reformation of the domestic leagues was formed and Saburō Kawabuchi was appointed co-chairman. In May 2015, upon FIBA's recommendation, Kawabuchi was appointed as president of the JBA. The merger of the two competing leagues into the B.League was announced in June 2015 and the international suspension was lifted by FIBA in August. Telecommunications company Softbank were named as the league's top sponsor for the inaugural season in March 2016.
The 2016–17 season commenced with an inaugural match between four-time JBL/NBL champions Alvark Tokyo, who finished on top of the NBL ladder in 2015–16, and four-time bj-league champions Ryukyu Golden Kings, who won the 2015–16 bj-league championship, at Yoyogi National Gymnasium on 22 September 2016. A full round of games involving all other teams commenced on September 24.
Since the 2021–22 season, the winners and runners-up of each season qualify for the East Asia Super League.
The Japan B League 2 features a diverse range of teams from various cities across Japan, each representing their respective regions. These teams consist of both seasoned professionals and promising young talents, creating a dynamic and thrilling atmosphere on the court.
The tournament follows a rigorous schedule, with teams competing in a series of intense matches throughout the season. The games are played in state-of-the-art arenas, providing an immersive experience for both players and spectators. The league's commitment to excellence is evident in the high level of competition and the exceptional skills displayed by the athletes.
The Japan B League 2 not only serves as a platform for players to showcase their abilities but also as a stepping stone for aspiring athletes to make their mark in the basketball world. It offers a pathway for talented individuals to progress to the top-tier Japan B League, and potentially even represent Japan on the international stage.
Fans of the sport eagerly anticipate the Japan B League 2, as it offers an opportunity to witness the growth and development of rising stars in Japanese basketball. The tournament attracts a dedicated fan base, with supporters filling the stands, cheering on their favorite teams, and creating an electric atmosphere.
The Japan B League 2 is not just about the competition; it also promotes camaraderie and sportsmanship among players. The tournament fosters a sense of unity and respect, as teams come together to showcase their skills and love for the game.
Overall, the Japan B League 2 is a thrilling basketball tournament that showcases the immense talent and passion for the sport in Japan. With its intense matches, talented athletes, and dedicated fan base, it is an event that truly embodies the spirit of basketball and leaves a lasting impression on all who participate or witness its excitement.