Led by co-chairman Saburo Kawabuchi, the Japan 2024 Task Force, declared it will establish a bigger, better men's professional basketball league with a broader vision. And so, Japanese basketball clubs were asked to burn the bridges behind them, accepting rigid qualifications to join it.
On Friday, a total of 24 clubs submitted their applications to the newly established general incorporate association now called the Japan Professional Basketball League. The JPBL will serve as the league office for the new circuit, which will tip off for the 2016-17 season.
The official league name will be announced at a later date.