A two-game B.LEAGUE preseason series featuring Levanga Hokkaido and Gunma Crane Thunders will be held at SM Mall of Asia Arena on September 9–10, 2026, with Toyota Motor Philippines as a presenting partner and on-site fan activities.
Two B.LEAGUE teams—Levanga Hokkaido and Gunma Crane Thunders—play preseason games in Manila on Sept. 9 and 10, 2026, at SM Mall of Asia Arena, both starting at 7:00 p.m.
Filipino players Dwight Ramos (Levanga) and AJ Edu (Gunma) will be on the rosters, offering local fans direct ties to the action.
Toyota Motor Philippines sponsors the event and will run the TOYOTA Challenge Zone—an interactive fan area with games and prizes.
# What happened Toyota Motor Philippines is presenting the B.LEAGUE Manila Games 2026, a two-game preseason series that brings Japan's professional basketball league to Manila. Levanga Hokkaido and the Gunma Crane Thunders will play at SM Mall of Asia Arena on September 9 and 10, 2026. Both games start at 7:00 p.m.
# Why it matters to Filipino fans The series is the B.LEAGUE's first time holding games overseas and gives Filipino basketball fans a chance to watch Japanese clubs in person. Two Filipino players on B.LEAGUE rosters—Dwight Ramos with Levanga Hokkaido and AJ Edu with Gunma Crane Thunders—are expected to take the court, which creates a direct connection for local supporters.
# On-site fan experiences Toyota will operate the TOYOTA Challenge Zone during the event. The zone is described as an interactive space where fans can try fast-paced games, test basketball skills, and have opportunities to win prizes. The announcement positions these activations as part of Toyota's push to make sports experiences more accessible for international audiences.
# Timing and wider context The Manila Games arrive in 2026 alongside two anniversaries mentioned by the organizers: the B.LEAGUE's 10th anniversary and the 70th anniversary of normalization of diplomatic relations between Japan and the Philippines. The announcement connects the on-court event to those milestone years without expanding on additional diplomatic programming.
# Practical details
# What to watch for Fans attending or following the games will likely focus on the performances of Dwight Ramos and AJ Edu, the atmosphere created by a Manila crowd, and how the teams use the preseason matchups to prepare for the B.LEAGUE season. The TOYOTA Challenge Zone offers an experiential element for families and casual attendees.
# Bottom line The B.LEAGUE Manila Games 2026 are a short, targeted effort to bring Japanese pro basketball to a Filipino audience, concentrated around two preseason matchups, recognizable Filipino players, and a branded fan zone that aims to broaden the event beyond the on-court action.
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