Wildcats return to Japan for ISLAND GAMES 2026

The Perth Wildcats will return to Japan in September for two international pre-season matchups at ISLAND GAMES 2026, taking on the Chiba Jets and Ryukyu Golden Kings at Okinawa Suntory Arena.

Perth will begin its two-game schedule against the Jets on Tuesday 8 September before meeting the host Golden Kings on Thursday 10 September, with both games tipping off at 7.35pm JST and 6.35pm AWST.

The fixtures form part of ‘INTERNATIONAL WEEK’, bringing together three top tier clubs from Australia’s NBL and Japan’s B.LEAGUE in Okinawa from Monday 7 September to Thursday 10 September.

The tour marks the third consecutive year the Wildcats have successfully competed against B.LEAGUE opposition and the club’s second visit to Japan in three years.

After first travelling to Japan in 2024, Perth welcomed Japanese clubs to Western Australia in 2025. The Wildcats will now return to Okinawa as the basketball connection between the two markets continues to grow.

Tuesday 8 September: Perth Wildcats v Chiba Jets

The Perth Wildcats are set to open the tour against a Chiba Jets roster featuring Japanese national team guard Yuki Togashi, providing an early test against one of the B.LEAGUE’s most formidable clubs.

Date: Tuesday 8 September
Tip-off: 7.35pm JST / 6.35pm AWST
Venue: Okinawa Suntory Arena

Thursday 10 September: Perth Wildcats v Ryuku Golden Kings

The Wildcats will then renew their rivalry with the Ryukyu Golden Kings following a hard-fought pre-season meeting in Perth last year.

The rematch shifts to the Golden Kings’ home floor at Okinawa Suntory Arena, where Perth will play in front of one of the B.LEAGUE’s most passionate crowds.

Date: Thursday 10 September
Tip-off: 7.35pm JST / 6.35pm AWST
Venue: Okinawa Suntory Arena

The two-game Japan tour will provide Perth with a high-level international test as preparations continue for the Hungry Jack’s NBL27 season.

Ticket sales are scheduled to begin in early August, with streaming details to be confirmed.