THE Philippines remains a key market for Japan B.League as the competition continues to expand its presence overseas, according to its international business executive officer Nao Okamoto.
The league currently has 11 Filipino players across its top two divisions, underscoring the strong basketball ties between Japan and the Philippines.
Seven Filipinos are playing in the B.League Premier, the league’s top division, while four more are competing in B.League I, the second division.
“Especially, of course, the Philippines is one of the most important markets because we have, you know, this season, seven Filipino players on the B-League Premier. And on top of that, we have four players so far in the Division II, which is called B-League I. So in total, 11 players playing in the B-League. So that’s why, you know, the Philippine market is quite important,” Okamoto said.
The B.League is also looking to build stronger ties with Filipino communities beyond the presence of its players, particularly through basketball-related activities and community programs.
Okamoto said the league wants its upcoming friendly games in the Philippines to provide value to the local community as part of its corporate social responsibility efforts.
“And since we are just a local league from the Far East, you know, what we have to do here in the Philippines is try to, you know, something good for the community,” he said.
He cited basketball clinics and other community events as some of the ways the B.League hopes to contribute to the Philippine market.
“So, you know, that’s why we think, you know, help the events for the CSR, you know, for the basketball clinic and everything. So that’s how we try to contribute for this market,” Okamoto added.
The league is also banking on its Filipino players to strengthen its connection with local fans.
Okamoto highlighted Filipino stars Dwight Ramos of Levanga Hokkaido and AJ Edu of Gunma Crane Thunders, who are expected to be among the attractions in the B.League’s upcoming events in the Philippines.
“Of course, you know, tomorrow’s game, we have our superstar, Dwight Ramos, AJ Edu, those two Philippine players, you know, they’re quite famous here in the Philippines,” he said. (Adrian Co)
