East Asia Super League

The East Asia Super League was co-founded by Matt Beyer and Henry Kerins{{cite news |title=Building Asian basketball's first 'Champions League' |url=https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3090390/champions-league-asian-basketball-why-east-asia-super-league-aims |access-date=23 January 2021 |work=South China Morning Post |date=25 June 2020 |language=en}} as the Asia League as a response to what the founders deem as a lack of high-level international tournaments featuring basketball clubs in the region{{Cite web|last=Deveney|first=Sean|title=How To Start A Major New Asian Basketball League In The Age Of Coronavirus|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/seandeveney/2020/04/08/how-to-start-a-major-new-asian-basketball-league-in-the-age-of-coronavirus/|accessdate=2020-09-02|website=Forbes|language=en}} also taking into account the population in the region, about 2 billion, which could be a potential market for a regional inter-club tournament. The Asia League was envisioned to be East Asian counterpart of the NBA's Las Vegas Summer League where professional teams from Asia could compete against each other with minimal conflict with their mother league's schedules.{{cite news|url=https://sports.abs-cbn.com/basketball/news/2018/07/21/super-8-inside-asia-league-s-grand-basketball-plans-44746|title=BASKETBALL SUPER 8: Inside the Asia League's grand basketball plans for the region|last1=Lintag|first1=Paul|date=21 July 2018|work=ABS-CBN Sports|accessdate=15 September 2018|archive-date=15 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180915192344/https://sports.abs-cbn.com/basketball/news/2018/07/21/super-8-inside-asia-league-s-grand-basketball-plans-44746|url-status=dead}}

Their stated mission is to be able to organized basketball tournaments featuring club sides from top Asian leagues with the organizers naming the CBA (China), B.League (Japan), KBL (South Korea), PBA (Philippines), SBL (Taiwan), and the ABL (Southeast Asia, China, and Taiwan).{{Cite web |url=https://www.theasialeague.com/about-asia-league/ |title=About Asia League |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190315125517/https://www.theasialeague.com/about-asia-league/ |archive-date=2019-03-15 |website=Asia League |language=en-US |url-status=usurped |accessdate=2019-01-06}}

The first tournament by EASL, then called the Asia League, was the Super 8: Macau Basketball Invitational,{{cite news |last1=Atkin |first1=Nicolas |title=The battle for basketball in Asia: upstart Macau tournament ruffles Fiba feathers |url=https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/2106447/battle-basketball-asia-upstart-macau-tournament-ruffles-fiba |accessdate=15 September 2018 |work=South China Morning Post |date=11 August 2017}} involving eight teams in September 2017 at the Studio City Event Centre in Macau.{{cite news |last1=Odeven |first1=Ed |title=Jets, Kings set for inaugural Super 8 tourney |url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2017/09/14/basketball/b-league/jets-kings-set-inaugural-super-8-tourney/#.W51IZOgzaUk |accessdate=15 September 2018 |date=14 September 2017}} The competing teams in attendance were the Zhejiang Guangsha Lions, Shenzhen Aviators (formerly Shenzhen Leopards), Goyang Orions, Seoul Samsung Thunders, Fubon Braves, Pauian Archiland, Chiba Jets, and Ryukyu Golden Kings.

Organizers initially dubbed the tournament as the "Asia League," but this led to a legal dispute with FIBA over the name of the league when FIBA deemed the tournament's branding and marketing to be in conflict with its own FIBA Asia Champions Cup. The dispute led to the renaming of the competition to "Super 8," and the tournament was then officially recognized by FIBA after the league organizers sought legal assistance of Quinn Emanuel's Thomas Werlen, who has represented FIFA in investigations of the United States Department of Justice.

The inaugural Super 8 tournament was won by the Chiba Jets of the Japanese B. League,{{cite news |last1=Lintag |first1=Paul |title=Two Pinoy teams to see action in new Macau joust |url=https://sports.abs-cbn.com/basketball/news/2018/07/25/terrific-12-two-pinoy-teams-see-action-new-macau-tilt-44906 |accessdate=15 September 2018 |work=ABS-CBN Sports |date=25 July 2018 |archive-date=16 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180916022629/https://sports.abs-cbn.com/basketball/news/2018/07/25/terrific-12-two-pinoy-teams-see-action-new-macau-tilt-44906 |url-status=dead }} with the Zhejiang Guangsha Lions placing second and the Goyang Orions taking third place. The event garnered 21 million views worldwide.

A second edition of the tournament, dubbed the Summer Super 8, followed in July 2018 at the Macau East Asian Games Dome,{{Cite web|url=https://www.theasialeague.com/asia-league-summer-super-8-begins-in-macau/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190107015740/https://www.theasialeague.com/asia-league-summer-super-8-begins-in-macau/|url-status=usurped|archive-date=7 January 2019|title=Asia League Summer Super 8 begins in Macau|date=2018-08-06|website=Asia League|language=en-US|accessdate=2019-01-06}} and featured the introduction of two professional club teams from the PBA, the NLEX Road Warriors and Blackwater Elite. The eight competing teams in attendance were the Guangzhou Loong Lions, Xinjiang Flying Tigers, Seoul Samsung Thunders, Incheon Electroland Elephants, NLEX Road Warriors, Blackwater Elite, Rizing Zephyr Fukuoka, and Formosa Dreamers. The Guangzhou Loong Lions won first place, while the Seoul Samsung Thunders took second place and the Incheon Electroland Elephants placed third.

File:The Terrific 12 Logo v1.png

In 2018, the Super 8 tournament was expanded into a larger tournament format called The Terrific 12, featuring 12 teams instead of eight. The Terrific 12 (2018) tournament was organized in collaboration with and supported by the Sports Bureau of Macau SAR Government and hosted at the Studio City Event Centre.

The competing teams were the Shandong Heroes (formerly Shandong Golden Stars), Zhejiang Guangsha Lions, Xinjiang Flying Tigers, Ulsan Hyundai Mobis Phoebus, Seoul Samsung Thunders, Fubon Braves, Yulon Luxgen Dinos, Nagoya Diamond Dolphins, Ryukyu Golden Kings and Chiba Jets. The Ryukyu Golden Kings won first place, while the Guangzhou Loong Lions placed second and the Seoul Samsung Thunders took third place.

In 2019, Asia League rebranded to the "East Asia Super League," and it hosted the second iteration of The Terrific 12 at the Tap Seac Multi-Sports Pavilion in Macau from September 17–22. The competing teams were the Liaoning Flying Leopards, Shenzhen Aviators, Zhejiang Guangsha Lions, Chiba Jets, Niigata Albirex BB, Ryukyu Golden Kings, Utsonomiya BREX, Jeonju KCC Egis, Seoul SK Knights, Blackwater Elite, TNT KaTropa and San Miguel Beermen.

Terrific 12 (2019) also featured the EASL debut of former NBA player and CBA import Lance Stephenson, who earned MVP awards for his 34-point outburst in the Terrific 12 (2019) championship finals, a close 83–82 finish for the Liaoning Flying Leopards over the Seoul SK Knights. The Zhejiang Guangsha Lions won second place and the San Miguel Beermen took home third in the event.

Plans for a 2020 iteration of The Terrific 12 tournament on September{{cite news |last1=Dy |first1=Rchard |title=EASL head hopes for PBA participation in Terrific 12 in September |url=https://tv5.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/29739780/nba-playoffs-everything-know-lakers-rockets-clippers-nuggets-west-semis |accessdate=September 3, 2020 |work=ESPN5 |date=June 10, 2020}} have been cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.{{cite news |title=East Asia Super League basketball competition to debut in 2021 |url=https://newsd.in/east-asia-super-league-basketball-competition-to-debut-in-2021/ |accessdate=7 July 2020 |work=newsd. |publisher=Newsd Media Pvt Ltd |date=7 July 2020|quote=Unfortunately, the 2020 tournament, scheduled to be held in Macao in September, was canceled earlier this month due to travel restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.}}

In August 2020,{{Cite web|title=FIBA and East Asia Super League enter multi-year agreement to elevate club basketball in region|url=https://www.fiba.basketball/news/fiba-and-east-asia-super-league-enter-multi-year-agreement-to-elevate-club-basketball-in-region|access-date=2021-11-30|website=FIBA.basketball|date=20 August 2020 |language=en}} EASL and FIBA entered into a multi-year agreement granting EASL FIBA's recognition to hold a full-fledged in-season league featuring clubs from Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, and Taiwan (representing "Greater China").{{cite news |title=East Asia Super League basketball competition to debut in 2021 |url=https://newsd.in/east-asia-super-league-basketball-competition-to-debut-in-2021/ |accessdate=7 July 2020 |work=newsd. |publisher=Newsd Media Pvt Ltd |date=7 July 2020}} The inaugural season would feature 8 teams. It was planned that they would play home-and-away games against each other with the top four teams advancing to a Final Four event.{{cite news |last1=Taljaard |first1=Tobie |title=East Asia Super League basketball competition to debut in 2021 |url=http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2020-07/07/c_139194001.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200818224731/http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2020-07/07/c_139194001.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=August 18, 2020 |access-date=4 February 2021 |work=www.xinhuanet.com |agency=Xinhua |date=7 July 2020}}

P. League+ (Taiwan),{{cite news |last1=Henson |first1=Joaquin |title=EASL moving forward |url=https://www.philstar.com/sports/2021/09/03/2124454/easl-moving-forward |access-date=3 September 2021 |work=The Philippine Star |date=3 September 2021}} the Philippine Basketball Association,{{cite news |last1=Beltran |first1=Nelson |title=PBA officially joins EASL |url=https://www.philstar.com/sports/2021/11/05/2139003/pba-officially-joins-easl |access-date=5 November 2021 |work=The Philippine Star |date=5 November 2021}} the Korean Basketball League{{cite news |title=Super League shakes up Asian hoops |url=https://global.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202112/02/WS61a820c3a310cdd39bc78d0b.html |access-date=2 December 2021 |work=China Daily |date=2 December 2021}} (South Korea), and the B.League (Japan) committed to send teams for the EASL. The Bay Area Dragons, a franchise team meant to represent "Greater China" was also formed by the EASL.{{cite news |last1=Moura |first1=Nelson |title=2022 East Asia Super League format to include new GBA basketball team franchise with local players |url=https://www.macaubusiness.com/2022-east-asia-super-league-format-to-include-new-gba-basketball-team-franchise-with-local-players/ |access-date=2 December 2021 |work=MacauBusiness.com |agency=Macau News Agency |date=1 December 2021}}

The EASL received high profile financial support. The Raine Group along with former NBA stars such as Metta Sandiford-Artest, Baron Davis and Shane Battier in December 2021 reportedly invested in the EASL.{{cite news |title=Ex-NBA stars and Hong Kong firm join forces to launch new league in Asia |url=https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3157958/ex-nba-stars-and-hong-kong-firm-combine-launch-major-new-basketball |access-date=2 December 2021 |work=South China Morning Post |date=1 December 2021 |language=en}}

The launch of the EASL would be hindered by the COVID-19 pandemic,{{cite news |last1=Leyba |first1=Olmin |title=EASL puts opener on hold |url=https://www.philstar.com/sports/2022/09/27/2212449/easl-puts-opener-hold |access-date=2 September 2023 |work=The Philippine Star |date=27 September 2022}} with plans to hold its inaugural home-and-away tournament in 2022 cancelled.{{cite news |last1=Ramos |first1=Gerry |title=EASL's maiden home-and-away tournament cancelled |url=https://www.spin.ph/basketball/easl-s-maiden-home-and-away-tournament-cancelled-a793-20220926 |access-date=2 September 2023 |work=Sports Interactive Network Philippines |date=26 September 2022 |language=en}}

In place of the cancelled 2022 home-and-away tournament, the 2023 EASL Champions Week would be organized. It was originally meant as a pre-season tournament for the 2023–24 season.{{cite web |title=East Asia Super League Debuts Season 1 of Premier Home-and-Away Pan-Regional League in 2022 |url=https://easl.basketball/east-asia-super-league-debuts-season-1-of-premier-home-and-away-pan-regional-league-in-2022/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220222161913/https://easl.basketball/east-asia-super-league-debuts-season-1-of-premier-home-and-away-pan-regional-league-in-2022/|archive-date=22 February 2022|publisher=East Asia Super League |access-date=22 February 2022|quote=The newly formed Bay Area Chun Yu Phoenixes and the championship team from Chinese Taipei’s P.LEAGUE+, are the Greater China representatives.}} Anyang KGC were the first champions.{{cite news |title=Anyang KGC win all-Korean final at East Asian club tournament |url=https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/2023/03/06/sports/basketball/East-Asian-Super-League-EASL-Champions-Week-Anyang-KGC-Seoul-SK-Knights/20230306163806052.html |access-date=2 September 2023 |work=Korea JoongAng Daily |date=6 March 2023 |language=en}}

2023-24 EASL Season: Inaugural Season

With the COVID-19 pandemic travel restrictions lifted in regions surrounding the partnering leagues, EASL was able start their inaugural season in October 2023.

The champions and runner-up of Japan's B.League (Ryukyu Golden Kings and Chiba Jets), South Korea's KBL (Anyang KGC and Seoul SK Knights), Chinese Taipei's P. League+ (Taipei Fubon Braves and New Taipei Kings) got a berth for the 2023-24 season. The Philippines' PBA was represented by 2023 PBA Commissioner's Cup champions, TNT Tropang Giga and semifinalists, Meralco Bolts.

The 2023 B.League runner-up Chiba Jets went undefeated in the Group Stage, winning the Group A while 2023 KBL champions, Anyang Jung Kwan Jang Red Boosters came in second in Group A with a 4-2 record. In Group B, 2023 KBL runners-up, Seoul SK Knights won the group, while P. League+ runners-up, New Taipei Kings, came in second. The four teams would advance to the 2024 EASL Final Four in a three-day playoffs held in Hoops Dome, Cebu, Philippines.{{Cite web |title=East Asia's basketball champion to be crowned at EASL Final Four in Cebu {{!}} EASL |url=https://www.easl.basketball/news/east-asias-basketball-champion-to-be-crowned-at-easl-final-four-in-cebu |access-date=2024-11-18 |website=www.easl.basketball |language=en}}

In the first game of the 2024 EASL Final, the Seoul SK Knights defeated Korean-counterpart Anyang Jung Kwan Jang Red Boosters in a tightly contest battle, advancing to the 2024 EASL Final Four Championship Game. The Chiba Jets stayed undefeated following a win against the New Taipei Kings.

In the Championship Game, the Chiba Jets defeated Seoul SK Knights in a tightly-contested game, beating the Korean side 72-69, becoming the first champion in EASL history. Japan National Basketball Team captain, Yuki Togashi was named 2024 EASL Final Four Most Valuable Player.{{Cite web |title=EASL Champions Chiba Jets Celebrate a Perfect Season {{!}} EASL |url=https://www.easl.basketball/news/2024-easl-champions-chiba-jets-celebrate-a-perfect-season |access-date=2024-11-18 |website=www.easl.basketball |language=en}}

2024-25 EASL Season: Second Season

The 2024 B.League champions Hiroshima Dragonflies and runners-up Ryukyu Golden Kings represented Japan.{{Cite web |title=Hiroshima Dragonflies and Ryukyu Golden Kings to represent Japan in EASL 2024-25 Season {{!}} EASL |url=https://www.easl.basketball/news/hiroshima-dragonflies-and-ryukyu-golden-kings-to-represent-japan-in-easl-2024-25-season |access-date=2024-11-18 |website=www.easl.basketball |language=en}} The 2024 KBL champions, Busan KCC Egis and runners-up, Suwon KT Sonicboom represented South Korea.{{Cite web |title=KCC Egis and KT Sonicboom to represent Korea in EASL 2024-25 {{!}} EASL |url=https://www.easl.basketball/news/busan-kcc-egis-and-suwon-kt-sonicboom-to-represent-korea-in-the-easl-2024-25-season |access-date=2024-11-18 |website=www.easl.basketball |language=en}} The 2024 P. League+ champions New Taipei Kings and runners-up Taoyuan Pauian Pilots represented Chinese Taipei.{{Cite web |title=New Taipei Kings' and Taoyuan Pauian Pilots' EASL groups decided {{!}} EASL |url=https://www.easl.basketball/news/new-taipei-kings-and-taoyuan-pauian-pilots-easl-groups-decided |access-date=2024-11-18 |website=www.easl.basketball |language=en}} The 2024 PBA Philippine Cup champions Meralco Bolts and 2024 PBA Commissioner's Cup champions San Miguel Beermen represented the Philippines.{{Cite web |title=San Miguel Beermen and Meralco Bolts to represent the Philippines in the EASL 2024-25 Season {{!}} EASL |url=https://www.easl.basketball/news/san-miguel-beermen-and-meralco-bolts-to-represent-the-philippines-in-the-easl-2024-25-season |access-date=2024-11-18 |website=www.easl.basketball |language=en}}

For the expansion teams, representing Hong Kong was Hong Kong Eastern, while the Macau Black Bears represented Macau.{{Cite web |date=2024-08-14 |title=Hong Kong Eastern to join region-wide professional basketball league |url=https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3274301/east-asia-super-league-hong-kong-eastern-join-10-team-competition-next-season |access-date=2024-11-18 |website=South China Morning Post |language=en}}

In the Championship Game, the Hiroshima Dragonflies defeated Taoyuan Pauian Pilots, 72-68, winning the 2024–25 season championship. And Dwayne Evans was named as 2025 EASL Final Four Most Valuable Player.{{cite web |url=https://www.easl.basketball/news/hiroshima-takes-easl-final-four-2025-title-edges-taoyuan |title=Hiroshima Takes EASL Final Four 2025 Title, Edges Taoyuan |date=March 9, 2025 |work=East Asia Super League |access-date=March 10, 2025 }}

2025-26 EASL Season: Third Season

On January 24, 2025, the EASL announced that the 2024-25 season champion of The League will represent Mongolia to join 2025-26 EASL Season.{{cite web |url=https://www.easl.basketball/news/easl-adds-mongolias-the-league-to-2025-26-roster-and-beyond |title=EASL Adds Mongolia's 'The League' To 2025-26 Roster And Beyond |date=January 24, 2025 |work=East Asia Super League |access-date=February 13, 2025 }}

The East Asia Super League starting from the 2023 EASL Champions Week is represented by teams from selected domestic leagues.{{cite news |title=East Asia Super League wants to bring professional basketball team to Hong Kong |url=https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3157910/east-asia-super-league-forms-hong-kong-based-bay-area-chun-yu |access-date=2 December 2021 |work=South China Morning Post |date=1 December 2021 |language=en}}

The league considers the franchise team and the P. League+ championship team of Taiwan as representatives of "Greater China".

Starting from the 2025–26 season, the league represented are as follow:

The following leagues were represented in the EASL's preseason tournaments from 2017 to 2023.

From 2021 to 2023, the EASL maintained its own franchise team independent from any other domestic leagues, the Bay Area Dragons.

As of the 2024–25 season{{cite web | url=https://www.easl.basketball/news/east-asia-super-league-announces-global-broadcast-and-streaming-partners-for-the-upcoming-2024-25-season | title=Broadcast | EASL }}

• ASEAN Basketball League
• AsiaBasket
• Basketball Champions League Asia
• William Jones Cup

{{notelist}}

{{reflist}}

{{East Asia Super League}}

{{Men's professional basketball leagues}}

Category:Multi-national basketball leagues in Asia

Category:Sports leagues established in 2016

Category:Sports organisations of Hong Kong

Category:Basketball in Macau

Category:Professional sports leagues in China

Category:Multi-national professional sports leagues

Category:2016 establishments in Hong Kong