Sporta Japan Launches Women’s Basketball International Development Project “PROJECT GLP Japan Got Next”

Sporta Japan Corporation

368 9th Ave, New York, NY, USA

TOKYO, Japan — January 16, 2026

Sporta Japan Corporation today announced the launch of PROJECT GLP Japan Got Next, a new international development initiative designed to support Japanese women’s basketball players pursuing opportunities to compete and grow overseas.

PROJECT 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 seniors to third-year university 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. PROJECT 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.

The project name “GLP” is derived from the phrase “GLOW UP.” Beyond physical or technical improvement, the term reflects personal growth, increased confidence, and the way inner development translates into greater presence on and off the court. By exposing the next generation of Japanese women’s basketball players to global standards, PROJECT GLP encourages athletes to recognize their potential and take their next steps forward with confidence and a broader perspective.

CEO Yusuke Katoku Comment

“Japanese women’s basketball competes at a world-class level. However, even when many players aspire to challenge themselves overseas, they often lack access to the information and networks necessary to make that step.

In contrast, the United States has a clearly established pathway from the NCAA to the WNBA, where athletes can earn scholarships, dedicate themselves fully to their sport during college, and, in some cases, go on to secure significant professional contracts.

PROJECT GLP was launched to bridge this gap between Japan and the United States and to open doors for young Japanese athletes to the global stage.

By unlocking the untapped potential of women’s basketball players in Japan and helping develop athletes who can compete globally-PROJECT GLP officially begins.”

COO Shimizu Comment

“Through conversations with players who have competed in the W League, we have repeatedly heard comments such as,

‘I wish I had known how to pursue opportunities overseas at a younger age,’ and

‘During my developmental years, going abroad never felt like a realistic option.’

Despite possessing both talent and ambition, many athletes were limited by a lack of information and access. Recognizing this reality highlighted the structural challenges that still exist within the current system.

Now, as the competitiveness and visibility of Japanese women’s basketball continue to grow, we believe this is the right moment to address these challenges and present new options for the next generation. This belief led to the launch of PROJECT GLP.

We are fully committed to creating an environment in which young athletes can challenge the world from an early stage and to further advancing the globalization of Japanese women’s basketball.”

Program Overview

• Program Name: PROJECT GLP Japan Got Next

• Eligibility: Female basketball players who are high school seniors through third-year university students 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: January 16 – February 27

　　*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

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfqzBsXbRsPwe5S968e-FLEeoxS3k7MQYIETUxsdrohARs3tA/viewform?usp=header

Further details regarding the project will be announced at a later date.