Event Report: 3x3 Professional Basketball League 'RBL' SEASON1 'KYOTO Round / KYOTO Lite Quest 2026' Held at Heian Shrine Front and Okazaki Park – Uenohara Sunrise Achieves Back-to-Back Championships!

UNIVA RBL Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo) hosted the 3x3 professional basketball league 'RBL (ROYAL BASKETBALL LEAGUE)' SEASON1 'KYOTO Round / KYOTO Lite Quest 2026' over two days, June 27 (Sat) and 28 (Sun), 2026, at Okazaki Park in Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture.

This tournament, held in the historic and culturally rich city of Kyoto, brought together 12 top-level teams from across Japan, delivering intense competition. Despite the impact of a typhoon, over 10,000 spectators attended across the two days, and the live stream attracted a large audience.

RBL SEASON1 Heats Up as It Enters the Final Stretch

'RBL (ROYAL BASKETBALL LEAGUE)' is a new professional league for 3-on-3 basketball (3x3). Spearheaded by Commissioner Dr. Rohit Bakshi, a former professional basketball player and pioneer in 3x3 basketball, RBL was established as Japan's first international 3x3 professional basketball league.

RBL SEASON1's third round, the 'KYOTO Round,' held at the midpoint of the season, doubled as a FIBA 3x3 Lite Quest and Challenger qualifying tournament. The winning team earned the right to compete in the international 'Kaohsiung City Challenger 2026,' held in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, on September 5–6, 2026. Additionally, this tournament was crucial for all participating players, as it offered FIBA 3x3 ranking points that contribute to Olympic qualification. As a result, fierce competition began from the preliminary rounds, with teams fighting seriously to secure vital points.

12 top domestic teams competing in RBL SEASON1.

A City-Based Event Merging Sports and Entertainment

Okazaki Park, with views of Heian Shrine, welcomed a diverse crowd including basketball fans, families, and tourists. Spectators gathered around the courts on both days, cheering loudly for the players' dynamic performances.

The energetic sound by DJ PACHI-YELLOW and lively hosting by MC Nagisa kept the atmosphere vibrant throughout. During match intervals, cheerleading performances and unicycle acts captivated the audience. The unique RBL experience, blending sports and entertainment, enveloped the entire venue in excitement and unity.

Official cheer dancers of B.League team 'Kyoto Hannaryz' – 'Hannarin' Meiji University Men's Cheerleading Team – 'Ankāzu' Unicycle Club 'UC Tsubame' DJ PACHI-YELLOW (2025 DMC JAPAN THE OPEN CHAMPION) MC Nagisa (Sports MC)

Uenohara Sunrise Claims Back-to-Back Round Championships After Intense Preliminaries and Finals

In front of a passionate crowd, a fierce battle unfolded, showcasing relentless defense and sharp drives.

On the first day, June 27 (Sat), despite typhoon impacts, the preliminary league commenced with all 12 teams competing under the watchful eyes of many spectators. Set against the historic backdrop of Okazaki Park in Kyoto, teams fought fiercely for a spot in the final tournament. Ten matches were completed on the day, with the remaining two postponed to the next day due to weather. After all 12 matches, including those on the second day, the top eight teams advanced to the final tournament.

On the second day, June 28 (Sun), the final tournament featured the eight teams that advanced from the preliminaries. After intense competition, the finalists were湘南Seaside, champions of the 'SHINJUKU Round,' and Uenohara Sunrise, champions of the 'NAGOYA Round.'

The highly anticipated final between the two round champions delivered the fast-paced, rapid transition gameplay unique to 3x3 basketball. The electrifying match brought the audience's energy to its peak.

Shot-blocking to prevent 2-pointers, intense body contact unique to 3x3, and heated matchups.

In this marquee matchup between reigning champions, Uenohara Sunrise seized control from the start, maintaining a steady performance on both offense and defense to secure a dominant 21–9 victory. They achieved back-to-back championships, following their win in Round 2.

Additionally, Toyama Force Spice secured third place based on overall performance, and Ryo Ma Saito of Uenohara Sunrise was awarded MVP for his outstanding performance throughout the tournament.

Uenohara Sunrise stands atop the KYOTO Round Ryo Ma Saito of Uenohara Sunrise wins MVP

RBL SEASON1 KYOTO Round / KYOTO Lite Quest 2026 Results

Champion: Uenohara Sunrise ■ Runner-up: Shonan Seaside ■ Third Place: Toyama Force Spice ■ MVP: Ryo Ma Saito (Uenohara Sunrise)

※ The champion, Uenohara Sunrise, has earned the right to participate in the 'Kaohsiung City Challenger 2026.'

▼ Match footage (archived streaming) from the KYOTO Round is available on the official RBL YouTube channel.

RBL Official YouTube (KYOTO Round)

▶ Next stop: Kumamoto. RBL SEASON1 'KUMAMOTO Round' to be held on July 4–5

RBL SEASON1's fourth round, the 'KUMAMOTO Round,' will be held over two days, July 4 (Sat) and 5 (Sun), 2026, at Tatsunomori Sports Hall in Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture. Following the SHINJUKU, NAGOYA, and KYOTO rounds, 12 teams from across Japan will once again deliver thrilling competition.

Furthermore, the top eight teams in cumulative points at the end of this tournament will qualify for the SEASON1 finale, 'Final Round FUKUOKA.'

Admission is free. Experience the intensity of the sport, the speed unique to 3x3, and the live atmosphere of a fully engaged crowd—come and enjoy it in person.

[RBL SEASON1 KUMAMOTO Round – Event Overview]

Dates: July 4 (Sat) – 5 (Sun), 2026

Venue: Tatsunomori Sports Hall (4-1-7 Ryumoto, Kita-ku, Kumamoto City)

Admission & Viewing: Free

LIVE Streaming: https://www.youtube.com/@3x3RBL/streams

Organizer & Operator: UNIVA RBL Co., Ltd.

※ Event details will be announced sequentially on the official RBL website and official SNS channels. ※ Due to anticipated impacts of rain on court conditions, the venue has been changed from Hanabatake Plaza to 'Tatsunomori Sports Hall.' Please note that there is no dedicated parking at the venue. We recommend using public transportation.