Rizing Zephyr Fukuoka: Fukuoka, a City Where the Future of Basketball Grows — Sponsorship Agreement for FIBA U18 International Tournament

Rizing Zephyr Fukuoka Co., Ltd. has announced that it will serve as a tournament sponsor for the "FIBA U18 Asia Cup 2026 East Asia Qualifiers," taking place from Tuesday, June 2 to Sunday, June 7 at the Tsuzuki Raisuke Memorial Gymnasium within Fukuoka Daiichi High School and Daiichi University of Pharmacy. This tournament is the first official event positioned as a de facto qualifier for the "FIBA U18 Asia Cup 2026" in India and the "FIBA U19 World Cup 2027" in the Czech Republic. This is the first time in history that a B.LEAGUE club has sponsored an event hosted by the East Asia Basketball Association (EABA). Fukuoka possesses an environment to "nurture," "watch," and "support" basketball, supported by a strong foundation in high school basketball, professional club activities, regional partnerships, and plans for a new arena opening in 2029. Rizing Zephyr Fukuoka will promote the message "Fukuoka is a city where the future of basketball grows" and continue initiatives to support the future of basketball in the region. During the tournament, the club will implement the "Player of the Game presented by RIZING ZEPHYR FUKUOKA" and share the excitement of the games via official social media. Jack Shiratani, who has ties to the club, is also scheduled to participate. Shiratani joined the club as a specially designated player at age 16 during the 2025-26 season and set the record for the youngest scorer in B2. Vice President Toshihiko Kamabuchi commented, "Fukuoka is a city with one of the best high school basketball cultures in Japan. It is a great honor to support such an important tournament that connects to Asia and the world."