East Asia Super League Will Start 2026-27 Season
The international basketball tournament begins its new season on October 3 in Cebu, Philippines.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Basketball
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The 2026-27 East Asia Super League season will tip off on October 3 with 12 teams competing for the championship title. The opening match between the Taipei Fubon Braves and Macau Hou Chon will take place at the SM Seaside Cebu Arena.
Why it matters
The league brings together top clubs from seven different regional basketball markets to compete for significant prize money. Expanding the participation to 12 teams helps establish a broader competitive platform for professional basketball in East Asia.
A total of 12 clubs are participating in the 2026-27 season, playing 36 games throughout the group stage. The previous season winner earned a championship prize of US$1.5 million.
The players
Taipei Fubon Braves
This is a professional basketball club based in Taiwan that competes in the East Asia Super League.
Macau Hou Chon
This is a basketball organization representing Macau in international league play.
Tainan TSG GhostHawks
This professional basketball team is based in Taiwan and participates in regional league competition.
Goyang Sono Skygunners
This is a professional basketball club based in South Korea that competes in the East Asia Super League.
Ryukyu Golden Kings
This professional basketball team is based in Japan and is a frequent participant in regional tournaments.
The details
Five clubs are making their debut in the league, which features teams representing Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Macau, Mongolia, and the Philippines. Teams are organized into three groups of four, with each club playing home-and-away matches against their group opponents before the top two teams advance to the six-team postseason.
Timeline
October 3, 2026: East Asia Super League season begins
October 21, 2026: Tainan TSG GhostHawks play Goyang Sono Skygunners
October 28, 2026: Taoyuan Pauian Pilots play Ryukyu Golden Kings
October 2026 - February 2027: League group stage games
March 2027: Postseason championship
Season Trajectory
The entry of five new clubs reflects a significant shift in the competitive landscape of the East Asia Super League. This expansion alters the playoff potential and broadens the league's reach across the seven participating basketball nations.
The tournament format requires top-two group finishes to qualify for the six-team postseason, directly dictating the schedule intensity for participating clubs. Fans should track the 36-game group stage closely as performance here determines the qualification path for the March championship.
The takeaway
The league structure requires consistent performance across both home and away venues to survive the group stage. Teams that adapt quickly to the international travel requirements and diverse playing styles in the 36-game phase are most likely to reach the March postseason.
Further reading
For additional updates on regional tournaments, visit the Basketball section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Focus Taiwan (CNA English News).
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