B.LEAGUE Day

What Is B.LEAGUE Day

September 22 is "B.LEAGUE Day" in Japan, established by the Japan Professional Basketball League, the public interest incorporated association that runs the B.LEAGUE. It marks the opening of the first season of the B.LEAGUE, Japan's top men's professional basketball league, on this date in 2016, and was certified and registered by the Japan Anniversary Association the following year, in 2017.

The Opening Game That Announced a New Era for Japanese Basketball

The B.LEAGUE was created by unifying Japan's previously divided professional basketball scene into a single new league. The opening game, held on September 22, 2016, marked the start of a new chapter in the history of Japanese basketball.

• Date: September 22, 2016 — the B.LEAGUE's opening game was played
• Established by: The Japan Professional Basketball League (certified and registered by the Japan Anniversary Association in 2017)
• Significance: A day marking the birth of a unified league and celebrating the growth of basketball culture in Japan

A New Professional League Born from Unification

Before the B.LEAGUE was formed, Japan's professional basketball scene had been split across multiple competing leagues for a time. Resolving that division and relaunching as a single league was a major turning point for players and fans alike. The "B" stands for basketball, and the league has set out three missions: producing players and teams that can compete globally, pursuing entertainment value, and realizing "dream arenas."

Ways to Mark the Day

• Check the B.LEAGUE's game schedule and team information
• Learn about the history behind the B.LEAGUE's founding and Japanese basketball
• Cheer on your local basketball team
• Watch or play a game of basketball yourself

A New Step for Japanese Basketball, Written on the Court

B.LEAGUE Day looks back on the milestone moment when Japanese basketball came together as one. This September 22, take a moment to appreciate the players bringing the court to life.