The current set of overlapping crises, including the Japan Basketball Association's ban imposed by FIBA for failing to merge the NBL and bj-league (35 combined teams and years of warning and little visible progress for a breakthrough), that highlight Japan basketball's existence lead to the following:
1. Growing fan disgust.
2. Growing scrutiny from sponsors.
3. Decreasing priority to cover the sport for major media companies.
4. Frustration by all who could make a difference and be positive agents of change.
In addition to all of the above, the fact that the NBL and NBDL remain in many ways relics of the old men's corporate hoop leagues, isn't helping push the sport forward.
So instead of major corporations building or becoming title sponsors of home arenas for teams in the NBL and/or bj-league, major Japanese corporations are being lured to do so overseas ... including in China.
The new 15,000-seat Nissan Stadium is being used for Chinese Basketball Association games in Dongguan, China. (Meanwhile, in the bj-league, some teams are slated to play in as many as 10 home gyms for their 26 home games this season. A similar set-up is the norm in the NBL. Does that matter and/or cause the metaphorical light bulb to shine -- for Japan's basketball leaders?)
Now, if Japan had a clear plan to grow the sport in a smart way and build a system that could thrive, wouldn't Nissan be a potential sponsor for a Japan basketball arena(s)? And why not Toyota, another economic giant?
1. Growing fan disgust.
2. Growing scrutiny from sponsors.
3. Decreasing priority to cover the sport for major media companies.
4. Frustration by all who could make a difference and be positive agents of change.
In addition to all of the above, the fact that the NBL and NBDL remain in many ways relics of the old men's corporate hoop leagues, isn't helping push the sport forward.
So instead of major corporations building or becoming title sponsors of home arenas for teams in the NBL and/or bj-league, major Japanese corporations are being lured to do so overseas ... including in China.
The new 15,000-seat Nissan Stadium is being used for Chinese Basketball Association games in Dongguan, China. (Meanwhile, in the bj-league, some teams are slated to play in as many as 10 home gyms for their 26 home games this season. A similar set-up is the norm in the NBL. Does that matter and/or cause the metaphorical light bulb to shine -- for Japan's basketball leaders?)
Now, if Japan had a clear plan to grow the sport in a smart way and build a system that could thrive, wouldn't Nissan be a potential sponsor for a Japan basketball arena(s)? And why not Toyota, another economic giant?
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