The financial damage suffered by the B. League due to the COVID-19 pandemic has not been as severe as anticipated, thanks to the circuit’s consistent growth in popularity and recognition since its inception.

But with the virus continuing to affect the industry in the months to come, Japan’s professional basketball competition can’t afford to be complacent.

On Monday, the B. League published its clubs’ financial reports for the 2019-20 season, with overall revenue slightly above the previous season’s in spite of the campaign’s abrupt end in March due to the pandemic.