The Shortest Route from Japan to the World: Launch of 'RBL (Royal Basketball League),' a New 3x3 Pro Basketball League Connected to FIBA International Tournaments, Announced at Press Conference!
Key facts
- The Shortest Route from Japan to the World: Launch of 'RBL (Royal Basketball League),' a New 3x3 Pro Basketball League Connected to FIBA International Tournaments, Announced at Press Conference!
- On May 19, 2026, UNIVA RBL held a press conference to announce the inaugural season of the 'RBL (Royal Basketball League),' a new 3x3 pro basketball league. The league will hold tournaments across five Japanese cities, offering a pathway for top teams to qualify for FIBA-official international events and supporting Japanese players in challenging for global titles.
- Source: PR Times
- Date: May 23, 2026
Direct answer
On May 19, 2026, UNIVA RBL held a press conference to announce the inaugural season of the 'RBL (Royal Basketball League),' a new 3x3 pro basketball league. The league will hold tournaments across five Japanese cities, offering a pathway for top teams to qualify for FIBA-official international events and supporting Japanese players in challenging for global titles.
- Citation
- The Shortest Route from Japan to the World: Launch of 'RBL (Royal Basketball League),' a New 3x3 Pro Basketball League Connected to FIBA International Tournaments, Announced at Press Conference! (May 23, 2026), PR Times
- Source
- PR Times
- Date
- May 23, 2026
On May 19, 2026, UNIVA RBL held a press conference to announce the inaugural season of the 'RBL (Royal Basketball League),' a new 3x3 pro basketball league. The league will hold tournaments across five Japanese cities, offering a pathway for top teams to qualify for FIBA-official international events and supporting Japanese players in challenging for global titles.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: May 23, 2026 at 00:00
- 🔍 Collected: May 22, 2026 at 15:31
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 22, 2026 at 15:37 (5 min after Collected)
'RBL' is a new professional league for 3x3 basketball, led by commissioner and pioneer Dr. Rohit Bakshi.
Twelve teams will compete, starting with Round 1 in Kabukicho, Tokyo, on May 30-31, 2026. Following Rounds 2-4 in Nagoya, Kyoto, and Kumamoto, the top eight teams will advance to the Final Round in Fukuoka on July 29-30.
The top five teams from Rounds 1 and 2 of RBL SEASON 1 will qualify for the 'FIBA 3x3 Uenohara Challenger 2026,' held on August 8-9, 2026, in Uenohara City, Yamanashi Prefecture. This tournament serves as a qualifier for the Debrecen Masters, part of the FIBA 3x3 World Tour, where top-tier global teams will compete.
At the press conference, UNIVA RBL Chairman Shuji Inaba and Representative Director Dr. Rohit Bakshi shared their vision for the league. Chairman Inaba emphasized the power of sports to connect people, while Dr. Bakshi explained the league's international standing.
The opening tournament, 'Shinjuku Round,' will be held at Cine City Square in Kabukicho, Tokyo, on May 30-31, 2026.
FAQ
What is RBL?
RBL (Royal Basketball League) is a new professional league for 3-on-3 basketball. It aims to provide a competitive environment in Japan that connects to the world.
What is the schedule and locations for RBL SEASON1?
Rounds 1 to 4 will be held sequentially in Shinjuku, Nagoya, Kyoto, and Kumamoto. The final round will take place in Fukuoka on July 29-30.
How can teams qualify for the FIBA 3x3 Uenohara Challenger 2026?
The top 5 teams in the combined standings of Rounds 1 and 2 of RBL SEASON1 will qualify for the FIBA 3x3 Uenohara Challenger 2026.
When and where will the opening round be held?
The opening round, 'Shinjuku Round,' will be held on May 30-31, 2026, at Kabukicho Cinemacity Plaza in Tokyo.
How many teams will participate in the league?
12 teams will participate, coming from both domestic and international backgrounds.