Sporta Japan Launches Women’s Basketball International Development Project “MARVELOUS GLP -Japan Got Next-”
Sporta Japan Corporation
575 5th Ave, New York, NY 10017
Website: https://www.sportajapan.com
TOKYO, Japan — October 23, 2026
Sporta Japan Corporation today announced the launch of MARVELOUS GLP -Japan Got Next-, a new international development initiative designed to support Japanese women’s basketball players pursuing opportunities to compete and grow overseas.
MARVELOUS GLP aims to help develop future athletes capable of competing at the highest levels of the sport, including the WNBA. Approximately five female players, ranging from high school junior and senior students, will be selected for the program. Selected players will travel to the United States to participate in a showcase event, where they will be evaluated and coached by NCAA-affiliated college coaches. Through this process, the project seeks to create meaningful pathways for talented Japanese women’s basketball players to pursue collegiate careers and gain experience on the global stage.
(Participation in this project does not guarantee admission to a U.S. college or university.)
Despite the depth of talent within Japanese women’s basketball, opportunities to challenge oneself overseas have remained limited. Marvelous GLP Japan Got Next was established to address this structural challenge by creating a clear and accessible platform through which Japanese players can be directly evaluated by U.S. college coaches, while also expanding long-term possibilities that may lead to professional careers, including the WNBA.
CEO Yusuke Katoku Comment
"Last year, Arisa Ihara, who challenged herself as a 1st cohort member of the Program committed to Richmond University, a powerhouse in NCAA Division I.
She started with no special connections or previous study abroad experience.
What she had was the will to 'challenge herself in America' and the opportunity to make it a reality.
The ability of Japanese women's basketball players are fully capable of competing on the world stage. We believe the only thing missing is the 'entrance' to take on that challenge.
In our second year, we have renamed the program MARVELOUS GLP, expanded our support system and the number of player slots, and will open the path to the U.S. for even more players. Evelyn Mawuli, who has competed globally representing Japan, will continue to fully cooperate as the project ambassador. We will provide our utmost support to the challenging players from their preparations to travel to the U.S. The next person to stand on an American court could be you. MARVELOUSGLP begins again this year."
COO Kosuke Shimizu Comment
"Last year, by implementing the 1st MARVELOUS GLP and seeing the players actually experience the American environment, I was able to feel the significance of why we launched this project.
We heard feedback from the players such as, 'If I had come to America when I was younger, my basketball career might have been different,' and 'By actually playing here, I realized that parts of my game pass for here, which gave me confidence.'
I strongly believe that you find a different view by challenging yourself overseas.
And gaining that experience at the earliest possible developmental age will greatly expand their future career paths and choices.
We want to make the option of 'playing overseas' a realistic choice for Japanese women's basketball players.
Through our 2nd year, MARVELOUS GLP will help more players discover their potential and take on the world.
Program Overview
Program Name: MARVELOUS GLP Japan Got Next
Eligibility: Female basketball players attending high school in Japan who are in their second or third year as of April 2026
Number of Participants: Approximately 5
Selection Process:
Application and video screening
U.S.-based showcase event
Presentation opportunities to U.S. college coaches
Application Period: October 23 - January 15
Selection Period: January 16 – February 28
Dates may be adjusted depending on project circumstances
U.S. Trip Schedule: Approximately one week between April and May
Costs: International airfare between Japan and the U.S., domestic transportation within the U.S., meals, accommodation, and insurance will be covered by the project
Application Method
Application Form: Please submit the required information via the URL below
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