GLOBALLERS 2026 U.S. Tour Report

Since 2023, Sporta Japan has partnered with Sun Chlorella Corporation, a health food company engaged in a wide range of sports-related initiatives, to plan and operate GLOBALLERS, a basketball development project for middle school students launched with the goal of producing future NBA players from Japan.

From July 6 to July 14, 2026, the seventh class of GLOBALLERS traveled to Los Angeles for its annual U.S. tour. During the trip, the players experienced basketball at a global level through a diverse range of programs, including competing in high-level local tournaments, visiting high schools, and participating in skills training sessions.

Record-High 650 Applicants, with 9 Players Selected for the U.S. Tour

Now in its seventh year, GLOBALLERS held domestic tryouts in March 2026 across three locations: Fukuoka, Kansai, and Kanto. A record-high approximately 650 players applied for the program.

Fifteen players who advanced through the tryouts participated in two domestic training camps. Following the final selection process, nine players were chosen to join the U.S. tour.

In Los Angeles, the players immersed themselves in a world-class basketball environment through a variety of experiences, including competing in a high-level AAU tournament, participating in an outdoor street basketball league at Venice Beach, training with renowned skills coaches, and visiting local high schools.

GLOBALLERS Crowned Champions at “The Stage: Final Act” AAU Tournament

Tournament Record: 4 Wins, 1 Loss — Champions

“The Stage: Final Act” is a highly competitive AAU tournament featuring top teams from across the United States.

During pool play, GLOBALLERS suffered a narrow loss to the Bay City Warriors, a strong AAU team based in California, but won their other two games to advance to the championship bracket. They then secured back-to-back victories in the knockout rounds to claim the tournament title.

Early in the tournament, the players faced challenges adjusting to the physicality and high-level shooting ability characteristic of basketball in the U.S. However, with each game, they gradually adapted to the local style of play and showed remarkable growth throughout the tournament.

One of the participating players reflected on the experience:

“At first, I was overwhelmed by the atmosphere of the venue and the intensity of the opposing players. But as we played more games, I was gradually able to adjust to a style of basketball that was different from what I was used to in Japan.”

The experience gave the players a firsthand appreciation of the valuable lessons and growth opportunities that can only come from competing overseas.

Visit to St. John Bosco High School

The GLOBALLERS players visited St. John Bosco High School, widely recognized as one of the top high school basketball programs in the United States and also home to a GLOBALLERS alumnus, where they participated in a workout led by Head Coach Matt Dunn.

Eager to demonstrate their abilities to the coach, the players approached the entire workout with focus and intensity.

Following the workout, the players received high praise for their dedication and serious approach to the game. Coach Dunn also shared valuable advice on the mindset and style of play Japanese players need in order to compete against bigger and more physically imposing players overseas.

The opportunity to learn directly from a coach at the highest level provided great inspiration and motivation for the players.

Competing in the Venice Beach Ball League

The GLOBALLERS players also competed in the Venice Beach Ball League, held on the world-famous outdoor basketball courts at Venice Beach.

While the team finished the competition undefeated, what left an even greater impression on the players was the unique culture and energy of street basketball, which offered a completely different experience from the AAU tournament.

On the court, the players witnessed firsthand not only the skill and physicality of the local players, but also their fierce competitive spirit, confidence, and determination to never lose a one-on-one matchup. Through competing alongside and against local players, the GLOBALLERS gained valuable insights into the mindset and attitude required to compete at a higher level.

The journey of the seventh class of GLOBALLERS does not end with this U.S. tour.

We remain committed to supporting each player’s long-term development and growth as they continue pursuing their goals.

Together with the continued growth of GLOBALLERS, we will keep taking on new challenges and creating greater value as we work toward realizing our vision of seeing an NBA player emerge from Japan.

Contact

Sporta Japan Corporation

Public Relations Team

Email: contact@sportajapan.com