U-NEXT, a video streaming service operated by U-NEXT Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, President: Tenshin Tsutsumi) of the USEN & U-NEXT GROUP, will exclusively live stream the women's national tennis team competition 'Billie Jean King Cup' and the new entertainment-format tennis league 'Bastide UTS Nîmes'. It has also been decided that both tournaments will be partially live streamed for free on YouTube.
Women's National Tennis Team Competition, 'BJK Cup'
Last season, the Japanese national team secured a ticket to the 'Final 8,' leaving a strong impression on the world. From this tournament, a knockout system will be adopted where two countries directly face each other, and only the winner advances to the Final 8 in November. The Japanese national team, maintaining last year's momentum, will challenge new fierce battles with sharpened concentration.
This time, the Japanese members include Moeka Uchijima, an attacker whose weapon is powerful strokes; Himeno Sakatsume, a skilled player who dominates rallies with tenacious defense and high stamina; Nao Hibino, known for her high control and clever tactics; Shuko Aoyama, a master who reigns at the top of the doubles world rankings with her versatile volleys and distribution; and Grand Slam finalist Eri Hozumi.
Italy's notable player, Jasmine Paolini, achieved consecutive runner-up finishes at the French Open and Wimbledon in 2024, pushing her world ranking into the top 10. Despite her small stature at 163cm, she overwhelms opponents with her footwork and powerful, spin-laden strokes. Sara Errani, who partnered with Paolini and won a gold medal in doubles at the Paris Olympics, is also a formidable player. She maintains top-tier active performance with a playing style that utilizes changes in pace and tactics.
The New League 'Bastide UTS Nîmes' Overturning Tennis Conventions
Founded by renowned coach Patrick Mouratoglou, 'UTS' is a new era of tennis that transcends traditional boundaries. Its biggest feature lies in its unique rules. It adopts a strict time limit of 10 minutes per quarter and an interval of only 15 seconds between points. This leads to speedy matches that conclude in about an hour. Furthermore, you can enjoy innovative systems such as the 'UTS Card,' which has special effects like tripling certain points for a sudden comeback, and 'real-time coaching,' where players strategize with their coaches during play.
Bastide UTS Nîmes, opening on Friday, April 3rd, will feature a lineup of star players, including Alexander Bublik, who captivates audiences with his unpredictable play, and Andrey Rublev, one of the tour's leading power hitters. Other renowned players such as Casper Ruud and Grigor Dimitrov will also gather. Please experience this new form of sport that goes beyond conventional tennis. DAY1 is also scheduled to be freely available on YouTube, so even those who have never watched tennis before are encouraged to take this opportunity to watch.
'Billie Jean King Cup'
【Streaming Date & Time】Saturday, April 11, 2026, 18:50 JST ~ until the end of the live broadcast
【Streaming Format】Exclusive all-you-can-watch streaming
【Viewing Page】https://video.unext.jp/livedetail/LIV0000013885
【Catch-up Streaming】As soon as streaming preparation is complete ~ until Saturday, April 25, 23:59 JST
With Japanese live commentary and analysis. Commentator: Announcer Nabeshima, Analyst: Risa Ozaki
'Bastide UTS Nîmes'
【Streaming Date & Time】Friday, April 3, 2026, 20:10 JST ~ until the end of the live broadcast
【Streaming Format】Exclusive all-you-can-watch streaming
【Viewing Page】https://video.unext.jp/livedetail/LIV0000013616
【Catch-up Streaming】As soon as streaming preparation is complete ~ until Saturday, April 18, 23:59 JST
※For compatible devices, please check here
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U-NEXT Co., Ltd. is a group company of U-NEXT HOLDINGS Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, President & CEO: Yasuhide Uno).
U-NEXT: https://video.unext.jp
*According to GEM Partners research / As of March 2026
Survey conducted on Western films, Japanese films, overseas dramas, Korean/Asian dramas, domestic dramas, and anime among major domestic flat-rate video streaming services. Separate paid content is also available.
FACT BOX
- Source: PR TIMES
- Category: News