Denso Iris secured the inaugural FIBA Women’s Basketball League Asia title in Bengaluru, sweeping all four matches in the six-team regional tournament. Following the victory, veteran player Maki Takada publicly detailed the significant logistical hurdles, travel expenses, and lack of prize money absorbed by participating clubs.
Denso Iris Sweeps Bengaluru Field for WBLA Crown
The FIBA Women’s Basketball League Asia 2026 took place from February 20 to 25 at the tournament venue in Bengaluru, India. Representatives from six countries and regions—Japan, China, Taiwan, South Korea, the Philippines, and India—competed for the regional club championship. Denso Iris, which won the previous W League domestic title in Japan, entered the tournament as the Japanese club representative and went undefeated through four games to capture the trophy.
Individual honors followed the team success. Haruna Kasagi received the tournament Most Valuable Player award. Both Kasagi and teammate Maki Takada were named to the tournament’s All-Star Five selection.
Travel Costs and Food Logistics Borne by Clubs
Two days after returning to Japan, Takada posted statements on her official X account addressing the conditions surrounding the tournament. She pointed out that travel expenses, including airfare, were covered almost entirely by the participating clubs, and the competition offered no placement prize money.
To cope with local food and living conditions in Bengaluru, the Japanese club had to transport large quantities of food supplies from Japan. Takada noted that the team and club management undertook extensive preparations to ensure players avoided illness during the trip.
Tight Turnaround Before the W League Opener
Denso Iris returned to Japan on February 27, and the domestic W League season opens on January 31. Denso is scheduled to face Fujitsu at the Tokkei Security Hiratsuka General Gymnasium in their opening fixture.
Takada expressed appreciation for the support staff who made the overseas trip manageable and voiced hope that FIBA and the Japan Basketball Association would offer greater institutional support and improve operational conditions for participating teams in future editions of the tournament.
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