The East Asia Super League (EASL) has unveiled the groupings and schedule for the 2025-26 season.

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From 8 teams and 28 games in its inaugural 2023-24 season, to 10 teams and 34 games in 2024-25, the league continues its rapid growth. The upcoming season will feature 12 teams competing in 42 games, with the field divided into three groups instead of two.

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Group A consists of the Utsunomiya Brex, Taipei Fubon Braves, Seoul SK Knights and Hong Kong Eastern. Utsunomiya enters as Japan’s newly crowned B.LEAGUE champion. Taipei and Seoul both finished as runners-up in the P. LEAGUE+ and KBL, respectively, while Eastern returns for a second straight season as Hong Kong SAR’s champion.

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Group B includes the Taoyuan Pauian Pilots, Ryukyu Golden Kings, Macau Black Bears and a yet-to-be-announced representative from the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA). Taoyuan enters as the reigning P. LEAGUE+ champion, while Ryukyu returns after reaching the B.LEAGUE Finals for the fourth consecutive year. Macau joins as the champion of Macau SAR.

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Group C brings together the Changwon LG Sakers, New Taipei Kings, Alvark Tokyo and Mongolia’s Xac Broncos. Changwon enters as the newly crowned KBL champion. New Taipei, one of Chinese Taipei’s top teams, holds titles in both the P. LEAGUE+ and TPBL. Tokyo, one of Japan’s largest markets and fanbases, joins EASL through the new expansion rule after reaching the Emperor’s Cup final. Mongolia’s Xac Broncos make their debut as winners of “The League.”

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In total, the 12 teams represent seven territories: three from Japan, three from Chinese Taipei, two from South Korea and one each from Hong Kong SAR, Macau SAR, the Philippines and Mongolia.

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Key Season Highlights

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For the first time, the EASL will feature weekend games. While most matchups remain on Wednesdays, select games will be played on Saturdays and Sundays to improve fan accessibility.

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The 2025-26 season tips off on Wednesday, October 8 with three games, including a doubleheader in Taipei and the league’s first-ever game in Tokyo. Opening night will feature a headline rematch between Taoyuan and Ryukyu, who clashed in last season’s Final Four.

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Other highlights include EASL’s first game in Mongolia on Saturday, November 1, when the Xac Broncos host New Taipei. Ryukyu and New Taipei — now entering their third consecutive EASL season as the league’s longest-standing participants — will each host their home openers on Wednesday, October 22. Ryukyu will face a PBA opponent, while New Taipei will take on Tokyo. Although there won’t be a Christmas Day game, fans can look forward to a Christmas Eve showdown in Taipei between the Taipei Fubon Braves and Seoul SK Knights. Details on the league's annual Midseason Classic will be announced soon.

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Evolving Postseason Format

The postseason will feature a new structure. The top two teams from each group will advance to a Round of 6, replacing the Final Four format used in past seasons. The season will culminate in a single championship game.

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All dates and matchups are tentative and may be adjusted as needed.

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