May 26, 2026 — In a historic moment for Japan’s basketball scene, Nagasaki Versa have etched their names into the annals of B.League history by claiming their first-ever championship title. The underdog team, making their fifth consecutive Finals appearance, defeated the reigning champions Okinawa Ryukyu Golden Kings 72-64 in Game 3 of the 2025-26 B.League Championship series, securing a 3-0 series victory and their first national championship.
This triumph marks a remarkable turnaround for Nagasaki, who entered the 2025-26 season as the league’s underdogs against Okinawa’s two-time defending champions. The victory not only delivers a championship to Nagasaki but also ends Okinawa’s two-year reign as Japan’s top basketball team, concluding their remarkable run that included back-to-back titles in 2023-24 and 2024-25.
The championship game, played before a raucous crowd at the Okinawa Arena, was a dramatic finish that saw Nagasaki build an insurmountable lead in the fourth quarter. While Okinawa mounted a valiant comeback attempt, Nagasaki’s disciplined defense and clutch shooting proved decisive in the final minutes. The victory was particularly emotional for Nagasaki’s star player Yudai Baba, who celebrated with a famous post-game exclamation that has already become iconic among Japanese basketball fans.
Nagasaki’s Historic Path to Victory
The road to Nagasaki’s championship began with their remarkable regular season performance. The team finished the 2025-26 season with a record of 45-15, securing the top seed in the B.League playoffs. Their playoff journey was equally impressive, as they defeated three-time champions Hamamatsu Higashimikawa Phoenix 3-0 in the semifinals before advancing to face Okinawa in the Finals.
What made Nagasaki’s victory particularly significant was their status as relative newcomers to the league’s elite. The team was founded in 2019 and only joined the B.League in 2021, making their championship run all the more remarkable. Their success has been built on a foundation of youth development and strategic coaching, with head coach Takashi Morimoto leading the team to their first major trophy.
Key to Nagasaki’s success was their balanced roster featuring both experienced imports and homegrown talent. Forward Yudai Baba (22) emerged as the series MVP, averaging 24.3 points per game in the Finals while also contributing crucial rebounds and blocks. His post-game celebration, captured in iconic footage, became a defining moment of the championship:
The Okinawa Story: A Near Miss and a New Beginning
While Nagasaki celebrates their first title, Okinawa faces a period of reflection and rebuilding. The Golden Kings, who entered the series as heavy favorites, had hoped to become the first team in B.League history to win three consecutive championships. Their 64-72 defeat in Game 3 marked the end of their remarkable two-year run.
Okinawa’s season was defined by their dominant regular season performance, where they finished with a league-best 48-12 record. Their star player, American import Marcus Thompson, led the team in scoring throughout the playoffs but struggled to find his rhythm in the critical third game. The Golden Kings’ defense, which had been a hallmark of their championship runs, was exposed in Nagasaki’s final quarter push.
For Okinawa fans, the defeat represents the end of an era. The team’s core players, including Thompson and Japanese star Shohei Kuroda, will now face the challenge of rebuilding without their recent championship pedigree. The loss also marks the first time since the B.League’s founding in 2016 that a defending champion has failed to win back-to-back titles.
What In other words for Japan’s Basketball Future
Nagasaki’s championship victory has several significant implications for Japan’s basketball landscape:
- Youth Development Triumph: Nagasaki’s success demonstrates the effectiveness of Japan’s growing youth basketball programs. The team’s roster includes 12 players under the age of 25, with several emerging as key contributors in the championship series.
- League Expansion Impact: The championship comes at a pivotal time for the B.League, which is in the process of expanding from 16 to 20 teams. Nagasaki’s model of balancing local talent with strategic imports could serve as a blueprint for other expansion teams.
- Coaching Innovation: Head coach Takashi Morimoto’s tactical flexibility—particularly his ability to adjust to Okinawa’s offensive schemes—has been widely praised. His system, which emphasizes team defense and three-point shooting, may become a new standard for Japanese basketball coaching.
- Fan Engagement: Nagasaki’s victory has sparked a surge in interest for the team’s home games. The city of Nagasaki, known for its rich cultural heritage, is now positioning itself as a destination for basketball tourism, with plans to develop a permanent basketball academy.
Looking Ahead: The 2026-27 Season
While Nagasaki celebrates their historic victory, both teams are already turning their attention to next season. Key developments to watch include:
- Player Movements: Both teams are expected to make significant roster changes. Nagasaki will likely retain their core players while adding experienced veterans, while Okinawa faces the challenge of rebuilding without their championship core.
- League Expansion: The B.League’s planned expansion to 20 teams could create new competitive dynamics, with Nagasaki positioned to remain contenders in the new format.
- International Impact: Nagasaki’s victory has already generated interest from international scouts, with several Japanese players receiving inquiries from overseas teams. The championship could serve as a catalyst for greater Japanese representation in international basketball.
Key Takeaways
- Nagasaki Versa won their first-ever B.League championship with a 72-64 victory over Okinawa Ryukyu Golden Kings in Game 3 of the 2025-26 Finals.
- The victory ends Okinawa’s two-year reign as back-to-back champions, marking the first time a defending B.League champion has failed to win consecutive titles.
- Nagasaki’s success highlights the effectiveness of Japan’s youth basketball development programs and innovative coaching strategies.
- The championship has significant implications for the B.League’s expansion plans and international basketball recruitment.
- Both teams will undergo significant roster changes heading into the 2026-27 season.
For official updates on the B.League championship and team news, visit the official B.League website. Nagasaki Versa fans can follow their team’s activities through the official team website, while Okinawa supporters can stay informed through Ryukyu Golden Kings’ official channels.
The next major checkpoint in Japan’s basketball calendar will be the announcement of the 2026-27 B.League draft, expected in July 2026. Both championship teams are likely to be major players in this process as they prepare for their next seasons.
This historic victory represents more than just a championship—it’s a testament to the growing depth of Japan’s basketball talent and the exciting future ahead for the sport in the country. As Nagasaki Versa players celebrate their well-earned triumph, they leave fans with one question: will this be the beginning of a new dynasty, or just the start of their championship journey?
Share your thoughts on Nagasaki’s historic victory in the comments below, or join the conversation on social media using #BLeagueChampionship and #NagasakiVersa. Have you been following Japan’s basketball scene? What do you think this means for the future of the sport in Asia?