The East Asia Super League (EASL) has confirmed its 12th team for the 2025–26 season, with Japan’s 2025 Emperor’s Cup champion joining the finalists of the 2024–25 B.LEAGUE season. This marks the first time three B.LEAGUE clubs will compete in a single EASL campaign.

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The decision to include the 2025 Emperor’s Cup winner adds prestige and depth to EASL’s competition, especially with this year’s tournament celebrating its 100th anniversary.

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Since EASL’s inaugural 2023–24 season, B.LEAGUE teams have dominated, posting a combined 23–7 record and winning back-to-back championships. This expansion reinforces EASL’s mission to showcase Asia’s best basketball and deliver top-tier action to fans across the region.

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The Ryukyu Golden Kings, winners of the 2025 Emperor’s Cup, are confirmed for their third straight EASL appearance. They recently posted a 5–1 group stage record and reached the EASL Final Four 2025.

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If the Emperor’s Cup champion also reaches the B.LEAGUE Finals, the EASL spot will go to the runner-up. If both reach the Finals, the highest-seeded Semifinalist not advancing will take the spot. This ensures Japan’s next-strongest team joins the league.

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Final confirmation of all three Japanese teams for the 2025–26 EASL season will follow the conclusion of the 2024–25 B.LEAGUE Championship Semifinals.

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