In October 2024, the B. League introduced a series of policy reforms primarily targeting the promotion and relegation system, the development of basketball capabilities in Japan, and community engagement. The most significant change is that starting in 2026, the Japan B.League will abolish the promotion and relegation system based solely on competitive results. Instead, teams will be classified based on business performance and other criteria. This means that even poorly performing teams at the bottom of the league standings may avoid relegation.

Summary: The goal of the B.League is to create a virtuous cycle of mutual support between clubs, stakeholders, and local communities—ultimately revitalizing the regions they represent.

However, under the current promotion and relegation system based on competitive performance, while some clubs have managed to balance operations at a high level and continue to grow steadily, the risk of relegation still persists. Given that some clubs have limited resources and underdeveloped business operations, they often struggle to allocate management efforts toward contributing to their communities and stakeholders.

To address this, the new system abolishes promotion and relegation based solely on athletic results, aiming to create an environment where clubs can make long-term business investments.
In other words, the B.League wants to ensure a stable platform where clubs feel confident investing in their operations, employees, and community initiatives.

With this reform, the B.League will evaluate teams based on their contributions to the local community and overall organizational stability, in order to further improve both the competitive level and the ecosystem of Japanese basketball.

In 2015, the two leagues were merged to form the B.League.

Here’s an interesting set of data reflecting the growth of Japanese men’s basketball performance since then:

• 2008–2014: World ranking between 30–40+; ranked 3rd–5th in Asia

• 2015–2019: World ranking improved to 20–30, consistently in Asia’s top 3

• Currently: Ranked 21st in the world, 2nd in Asia, with strong potential to compete with Australia for the top spot.

The current B.League structure consists of:

• B1 (Premier League) – 24 teams

• B2 – Second division

• B3 – Third division

• In total, around 55 teams participate across all divisions of the B.League.

Now, let’s take a look at what the reform actually says:

• …クラブがステークホルダーや地域の皆さまを幸せにできる存在となるためには、クラブが今以上に経営力をつけ、長期的視野で成長のための投資を行うことができる環境を作ることが不可欠です。
• 競技成績による昇降格を廃止。
• LEAGUEがB.革新を通じて目指すのは、クラブが地域課題解決や地域活性に貢献できる存在になること…

Why is “B. Innovation Similar” to the NBA and NFL?

Advantages and Disadvantages of a Closed League System

1. Closed League System — Stability and Fixed Resources

Both the NBA and NFL operate as closed leagues with no promotion or relegation system. Teams join by purchasing a franchise membership, and their participation is not affected by seasonal performance.
In this regard, “B. Innovation” draws from such models to provide stability, enabling clubs to make long-term investments without fearing relegation, which can lead to resource disruption and revenue loss.

2. Financial Sharing and Salary Regulation Mechanisms

North American closed leagues typically adopt systems like salary caps, revenue sharing, and the draft system to promote financial balance and competitive fairness.

The B.League, through its “B. Innovation” reform, introduces salary caps, a draft mechanism, and U22 player policies, clearly borrowing from this model to ensure the sustainable development of all clubs within the league structure.

3. Tiered Licensing vs. Franchise Entry

In U.S. leagues, franchise membership determines eligibility, with no promotion or relegation, though expansion is subject to review.
Similarly, “B. Innovation” introduces a licensing model: “Teams meeting the standards may enter the Premier division, while those that do not will compete in ONE/NEXT.”
This marks a shift away from purely performance-based promotion toward a broader evaluation of team capabilities and readiness, while expanding the top league in a controlled manner.

4. Maintaining Competitive Balance & Preventing ‘Tanking’

One major drawback of the closed league model is the risk of “tanking”—teams deliberately underperforming to secure better draft picks. The NBA has even considered introducing promotion/relegation to combat this.

By abolishing performance-based relegation, the B.League aims to reduce unhealthy short-term behaviors—like over-investing to avoid relegation or making risky “survival” decisions—and encourages clubs to focus more on community engagement and sustainable business development.

5. Encouraging Long-Term Business Planning and Community Integration

Closed league systems offer teams predictable revenue streams, attracting investors to build infrastructure, develop talent, and engage with local communities.

The B.League, through “B. Innovation,” seeks to create a similar environment—where clubs rely on sound business strategies and community partnerships rather than seasonal results, thereby fostering stable financing, youth development, and stronger local impact.