Taipei and Tokyo to host explosive EASL tip-off 2025 doubleheader

The East Asia Super League (EASL) returns on October 8, 2025, with the season tip-off taking place in two venues—one in Taipei and the other in Tokyo.

At the Taipei Heping Basketball Gymnasium, fans will be treated to a doubleheader. The first matchup features the B.LEAGUE champions Utsunomiya Brex against the P. LEAGUE+ runners-up Taipei Fubon Braves.

Utsunomiya will be spearheaded by veteran star Makoto Hiejima, while the Braves will rely on the leadership of Chinese Taipei legend Lin Chih-Chieh.

The second game in Taipei will showcase the P.LEAGUE + champions Taoyuan Pauian Pilots facing the Ryukyu Golden Kings of Japan. This will be a rematch of last season’s EASL Final Four semifinal, where Taoyuan prevailed, 71–64.

For the 2025–26 season opener, the Golden Kings are eager to exact revenge, while the Pilots aim to score back-to-back wins against one of Asia’s elite squads.

Game time (HKT):

• Utsunomiya vs. Taipei Fubon – 6:30 PM
• Taoyuan vs. Ryukyu – 8:30 PM

Meanwhile, Tokyo will host its first-ever EASL game at the Keio Arena Tokyo. The matchup will feature Alvark Tokyo, one of the B.LEAGUE’s most prominent clubs, against the Xac Broncos, who will be making their EASL debut after back-to-back championships in the Mongolian Basketball Association’s The League. Tip-off is at 6:00 PM (HKT).

“When searching for a tip-off location, why not choose two beautiful, basketball-crazed cities?” said EASL Chief Executive Officer Henry Kerins.

“On October 8, the B.LEAGUE vs. P. LEAGUE+ rivalry returns with a rematch of the 2025 Final Four semifinals in Taipei, while Tokyo will host a historic showdown between two EASL newcomers.”