The East Asia Super League (EASL) has officially confirmed its 12th and final team for the 2025–26 season: the winner of Japan’s 2025 Emperor’s Cup.
This announcement solidifies the participation of three B.LEAGUE teams in the upcoming season, further strengthening Japan’s presence in Asia’s premier basketball competition.
The inclusion of the 2025 Emperor’s Cup champion not only boosts the level of competition but also aligns with the centennial celebration of the historic tournament, adding prestige and narrative weight to the upcoming season.
Japanese clubs have excelled since EASL’s inaugural 2023–24 campaign. Teams from the B.LEAGUE have posted a combined 23-7 record and captured back-to-back EASL championships, highlighting their dominance and consistency on the continental stage.
“As the Champions League of Asian basketball, EASL is committed to showcasing the continent’s elite talent,” said EASL CEO Henry Kerins. “We are honored to welcome a third Japanese team, especially the 2025 Emperor’s Cup winner. The rise of Japanese basketball has been extraordinary, and the B.LEAGUE continues to establish itself as one of the world’s premier leagues. This addition reinforces our mission to deliver top-tier competition and thrilling action to fans across the region.”
The 2025 Emperor’s Cup champion, the Ryukyu Golden Kings, will make their third consecutive appearance in the EASL. In their most recent campaign, Ryukyu dominated the group stage with a league-best 5-1 record and advanced to the EASL Final Four 2025.
To ensure fair and competitive representation, EASL has outlined a clear contingency plan:
If the Emperor’s Cup winner also reaches the 2024–25 B.LEAGUE Finals, their EASL berth will pass to the Cup’s runner-up.
If both the winner and runner-up qualify for the B.LEAGUE Finals, the EASL spot will be awarded to the highest-seeded semifinalist.
This ensures that Japan’s most deserving teams remain in the EASL spotlight, preserving the league’s competitive balance and appeal.
Final confirmation of all Japanese teams competing in the 2025–26 EASL season will be announced following the conclusion of the 2024–25 B.LEAGUE playoffs.