Alvark Tokyo Defeat Ryukyu Golden Kings 84–73 in Historic B.PREMIER Opener

TOKYO — September 22, 2026

A new era of Japanese professional basketball began at TOYOTA ARENA TOKYO on Tuesday, as Alvark Tokyo defeated the Ryukyu Golden Kings 84–73 in the opening game of the inaugural B.LEAGUE PREMIER season.

The matchup carried special significance. Exactly 10 years earlier, on September 22, 2016, Alvark and Ryukyu faced each other in the very first game in B.LEAGUE history. A decade later, the same two clubs were chosen to open another chapter in Japanese basketball as B.PREMIER officially tipped off.

Alvark Take the First Win of the B.PREMIER Era

Playing in front of a sold-out crowd at TOYOTA ARENA TOKYO, Alvark established control and ultimately secured an 84–73 victory to record the first win in B.PREMIER history.

The contest brought together two clubs that have remained among the most prominent teams in Japanese basketball throughout the B.LEAGUE era.

Ryukyu entered the new competition looking to begin its latest chapter with a statement on the road, while Alvark had the opportunity to open the new league structure on its home floor.

Alvark responded by maintaining the advantage through the decisive stages of the game and keeping Ryukyu from completing a comeback.

A Symbolic Rematch 10 Years Later

The significance of the game extended beyond the opening result.

When B.LEAGUE launched on September 22, 2016, Alvark Tokyo and the Ryukyu Golden Kings were selected to introduce the new professional league to the country. Alvark won that historic first game 80–75 at Yoyogi National Stadium.

Ten years later, Japanese basketball has entered another major transition.

The launch of B.LEAGUE PREMIER represents the centerpiece of the league’s structural reform known as “B.革新,” introducing a new competition framework while placing greater emphasis on arena experience, club business development and the long-term growth of professional basketball in Japan.

For that reason, returning to the same matchup offered a symbolic connection between the league’s first decade and the beginning of its next one.

A New Stage at TOYOTA ARENA TOKYO

The setting also reflected how much Japanese professional basketball has changed over the past decade.

TOYOTA ARENA TOKYO, opened in 2025 and now serving as Alvark Tokyo’s home, hosted the inaugural B.PREMIER game. The September 22 contest had already sold out weeks before tipoff.

Before the game, B.LEAGUE staged a special opening ceremony featuring representatives symbolizing all 55 clubs and unveiled the new trophy that will be awarded to the B.PREMIER champion.

The combination of the new arena, national television coverage and the rematch of the league’s original opening game gave the afternoon the feel of more than simply the first contest of another season.

It marked the beginning of a new phase.

From 2016 to 2026

For Alvark Tokyo, the result provides the first victory of the B.PREMIER era.

For Ryukyu, the season begins with a road defeat, but the opening matchup again places the Kings at the center of a defining moment in Japanese professional basketball.

The two teams helped open B.LEAGUE in 2016.

Ten years later, they did it again.

This time the stage was TOYOTA ARENA TOKYO, the competition was B.LEAGUE PREMIER, and Alvark Tokyo once again emerged with the opening-night victory.

Final Score
Alvark Tokyo 84–73 Ryukyu Golden Kings

Date: September 22, 2026
Venue: TOYOTA ARENA TOKYO
Competition: 2026–27 B.LEAGUE PREMIER Regular Season