GLOBALLERS 2025 U.S. Tour Report

Since 2023, Sporta Japan Corporation has partnered with Sun Chlorella Corporation—a leading health food company engaged in a wide range of sports-related initiatives—to organize and manage GLOBALLERS, a middle school basketball project established with the goal of producing future NBA players.

Now in its sixth year, the project held nationwide tryouts in March across three locations—Fukuoka, Kansai, and Kanto—attracting approximately 600 applicants. Following the tryouts, 15 players advanced to two domestic training camps. From there, eight outstanding players were selected to join the U.S. tour.

In July, the eight selected members traveled to Irvine, California, where they competed in top-level local tournaments, trained with renowned skills coaches, and visited notable basketball landmarks including UCLA and the NBA’s Intuit Dome arena.

Tournament Results:

• WEST–SUMMER TUNE UP: 3 wins, 1 loss

• CALI–LIVE SUMMER SHOWCASE: 4 wins, 0 losses

Post-game reflections after their only loss

Their sole defeat came at the hands of Pack.Basketbell, a team from North Dakota that showcased clear advantages in size, skill, and basketball IQ. While the result was disappointing, the players agreed that it was a valuable experience that gave them clear goals to strive for moving forward.

In every match, the team faced physical disadvantages, yet they countered with strong overall teamwork. There were moments when they were overwhelmed by the intensity of local American teams, but they managed to finish the tournament with a dramatic comeback victory. The GLOBALLERS players returned home having grown—both as athletes and as individuals—by leaps and bounds.

@Intuit Dome

@Pauley Pavilion(UCLA)

In order to experience the very heart of American basketball, the team visited the Intuit Dome—home arena of the NBA’s LA Clippers—and the renowned Pauley Pavilion at UCLA.

At the Intuit Dome, they learned about the business side of NBA arenas, including cutting-edge IT technologies and luxurious features such as VIP suites. During their visit to UCLA, the most decorated program in NCAA history, they were guided through Pauley Pavilion by Doug Erickson, Director of Basketball Administration, gaining insight into UCLA’s rich history and its philosophy.

For the 6th generation of GLOBALLERS, their journey in basketball has only just begun. Sporta Japan will continue to watch over, support, and encourage their growth. Along this journey, we aim to grow together with them, working toward a future where a player from Japan emerges onto the NBA stage.

Contact Information

Sporta Japan Corporation, PR

Email: contact@sportajapan.com