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Category

Description

AD/Bib

Media Center/ Press Conference Room

Media

Tribune

Mixed Zone

FOP

Camera

Position

B.LEAGUE MEDIA PORTAL - Terms of Use

01.  Definitions and Categories of Accredited Media

Definition of Media Outlets　
【Coverage of B.LEAGUE Matches】

  • The B.LEAGUE only accepts coverage of its matches for the purpose of “sports journalism”, and gives priority to coverage requests from media outlets primarily engaged in sports journalism, including members of the Sports Press Club in Japan and basketball or sports-specialized media.

  • The application procedures and the number of accredited media personnel may vary depending on the media outlet’s affiliated organization or category, as well as the specific event. Please refer to the latest information for details.

  • When coverage is concentrated at a single venue (e.g., during championship-deciding matches or B.LEAGUE-managed matches), the setup may differ from normal. In such cases, separate guidance will be provided in advance.

  • All media outlets and representatives  planning to cover B.LEAGUE official matches must apply in advance via B.LEAGUE Media Channel. Please refer to the subsequent sections for detailed information on the B.LEAGUE MEDIA CHANNEL and procedures for applying for game coverage.

  • Applications will generally be accepted from 14 days before the match, with a deadline of the three days before the match. If you wish to cover a game, please submit your application via the B.LEAGUE MEDIA CHANNEL.

Please note that for certain games, the application deadline may be earlier than three days before the game.

  • Internet media (including mobile/smartphone sites and apps) are generally not accepted, with some exceptions.

  • On game day, once accreditation control begins, no filming, live streaming, broadcasting, or internet distribution related to matters other than the game may be conducted within the arena premises without prior approval.

  • If your activities harm the interests of the B.LEAGUE or B.Clubs, or defame or slander individuals or groups, causing a detriment to Japanese basketball, we may refuse future coverage requests.

  • Registration with the Media Channel does not guarantee approval of coverage applications. Approval may be subject to review depending on the game and the discretion of the home club.

 
 
【Accredited Media to cover B.LEAGUE】
The B.LEAGUE only accepts coverage of its matches for the purpose of “sports journalism”, and gives priority to coverage requests from media outlets primarily engaged in sports journalism, including members of the Sports Press Club in Japan and basketball or sports-specialized media.
The roles of media representatives are categorized into three types: "Journalist," "Photographer," and "Video/Audio Coverage." The number of media personnel (coverage slots) allowed for each role is specified.

02. Game Coverage Guidelines

1. Media Access Areas

  • Media access areas are designated according to media category (press, photographers, ENG crews,Non-Rights Holders). Please remain within the areas assigned to your accreditation category at all times.

  • Shooting or filming outside designated media areas including spectator seating areas as well as shooting and filming from the media tribune, are generally prohibited.

  • If you wish to conduct interviews, shooting or filming outside designated media areas, including before venue opening or after the game, please inform the hosting club or league media officers in advance.

  • Smoking is prohibited except in designated smoking areas. Depending on the venue, smoking may be prohibited throughout the entire arena premises. Please follow venue regulations.

  • Media accreditation opens approximately 90 minutes prior to tip-off. Please present your accreditation approval email together with a valid press ID, company ID, or other form of identification.

  • Accreditations and media bibs provided on-site must be worn visibly at all times and returned after the game.


【Access Control】

PRESS

Journalists

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PHOTO

Photographers

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※Movement between both sides during live play is strictly prohibited.

ENG

TV crew (covering the match footage)

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※No seating is permitted in the media tribune.Access is permitted only for the access to the shooting position within the media tribune.

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※Movement between both sides during live play is strictly prohibited.

NRH（NONRIGHTSHOLDER）

Non-rights holders

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LEAGUE
OFFICIAL

League official photo/video crews

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CLUB
OFFICIAL

Club official photographers

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VENUE
SCREEN

In-arena presentation production crews

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【Operations Guideline】

 

① Written Press

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  • During games, written press is limited to designated Media Tribune.

  • FOP access is not permitted except when accessing Media Tribune.

  • Shooting and filming are prohibited in areas accessible with a PRESS Accreditation.

​

② Photographers / TV Crews

​

  • Movement during live play is prohibited except during quarter breaks and halftime.

  • During games, designated shooting positions are located at FOP(the court ends). Certain approved media may also shoot from designated stand-level positions.

  • Shooting and filming from spectator’s area or Media Tribune are generally prohibited, except for official photographers.

  • Media bibs must be worn at all times in designated shooting areas, including FOP and stand-level positions.

  • Photographers are prohibited from any filming activities.

  • Personnel wearing media bibs may not conduct coverage from the media tribune.

  • TV crew members who do not require access to designated shooting areas (e.g. producers, directors, announcers, and reporters) will be issued Media Accreditations and should work from the media tribune and media center.

  • The capacity of the media tribune is limited. Media personnel may be asked to work from the media center depending on availability.

  • If the number of photographers exceeds available positions, shooting positions may be assigned by lottery or coordinated among media organizations.

  • Any footage recorded in controlled arena areas requiring filming authorization(e.g. warm-ups, press conferences, and mixed zones) remains subject to the B.LEAGUE Footage Usage Regulations.

​

■FOP Camera Positions

  • Coverage of pregame on-court events, team warm-ups, and game action must be conducted from designated camera positions determined by the hosting club or league.

  • Movement during live play is prohibited except during quarter breaks and halftime. This restriction does not apply to official photographers or HB/RH camera operators.

 

■In-Game Shooting/Filming Positions

 

＜Photographers＞

  • Photographers must shoot from designated FOP positions behind each basket.

  • Tripods, strobes, and remote cameras are prohibited.

​

＜TV Crews＞

  • TV crews must operate from designated FOP positions.

  • Camera positions should not obstruct spectator views. When spectators are seated behind camera positions, crews must ensure that their activities do not interfere with the viewing experience.

  • Camera positions may vary depending on the game or venue setup. Please follow instructions from the media officers.

  • Tripods must be used at the lowest possible height setting. Certain venues may prohibit tripod use entirely. Please follow venue-specific rules and staff instructions.

  • Filming from stand-level positions is generally prohibited. However, filming may be permitted for programs that have received prior approval from B.LEAGUE and/or the hosting club. Please contact the hosting club or league media relations staff in advance.

​

■Pre-game TV Reports

  • Live reports by TV crews other than official broadcasters are prohibited within accreditation-controlled areas, including before and after games.

  • Any FOP stand-up report involving announcers or reporters requires prior approval from the hosting club’s media officer.  Approval may not be granted due to arena layout or game presentation requirements.

  • FOP reporting is permitted only until the end of team warm-ups.

  • Media bibs must be worn at all times when entering FOP.

​

③ Video / Audio Coverage by Non-Rights Holders

  • Non-rights holders may not conduct video and audio recording within the arena premises until after the conclusion of the game.

  • Recording equipment may not be brought into the  media tribune. Equipment must be stored in the media center at the owner’s responsibility.

  • Non-rights holders may watch the game from the assigned media tribune or the media center in coordination with the hosting club or league media officers.

  • The availability at the media tribune is limited.

2. Media Availability

  • Approximately 10 minutes after the final whistle, head coaches will be available to the media in the press conference room or mixed zone.

  • Player interviews requested by the media will be conducted in the mixed zone or another designated area.

  • Postgame media availability is generally limited to questions related to the game.

  • As a general rule, media are requested to refrain from interviewing players and staff listed on the official roster beginning 60 minutes prior to tip-off until the conclusion of the game.

  • In mixed zones and other designated media areas, media representatives are requested not to approach players or staff for non-media-related purposes.

3. Media Resources and Support

​①Official Statistics

  • Official statistics for all B.LEAGUE games are available through the B.LEAGUE MEDIA CHANNEL. Printed stat sheets will not be distributed at arenas.

  • Statistics available immediately after games are preliminary and subject to revision.

  • Game reports, standings, and attendance figures are available through the “Standings” section of the B.LEAGUE MEDIA CHANNEL.

​​

For inquiries regarding official statistics:
 B.STATS LAB

b.statslab@bleague.jp

 

②Photo Assets – Box

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https://app.box.com/s/v06uko7xles3gpi2coxgkdg0kthbk6h2

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  • 5–10 photos of each player from the Asia Quota will be uploaded for all matches played by their respective clubs.

  • Media Channel account holders will receive access credentials to Box.

  • Photos may be used free of charge for editorial purposes only.

  • In accordance with the B.LEAGUE Photo Usage Regulations, use by unapproved media outlets is prohibited.

  • Photo credits must be displayed when using B.LEAGUE images. (e.g., “©B.LEAGUE” or “Photo Courtesy of B.LEAGUE”)

  • Media organizations using B.LEAGUE photos are required to submit a monthly usage report through the B.LEAGUE MEDIA CHANNEL. Access privileges may be revoked if reports are not submitted.

  • For commercial use, or editorial use by organizations other than the registered account holder, please contact B.LEAGUE Media Relations at pr@bleague.jp.

  • Commercial usage of photo assets is subject to the Property Usage Regulations and applicable licensing fees.

​

※If you need B.LEAGUE’s footages / highlights, please contact to intl@bleague.jp

​

③ Logos and Official Anthem

  • B.LEAGUE and club logos, as well as the official anthem, are available free of charge for editorial use.

  • Before use, please review the logo manual and official naming guidelines available through the “Contents” page of the B.LEAGUE MEDIA CHANNEL.

③ Logos and Official Anthem

 

  • B.LEAGUE and club logos, as well as the official anthem, are available free of charge for editorial use.

  • Before use, please review the logo manual and official naming guidelines available through the “Contents” page of the B.LEAGUE MEDIA CHANNEL.

 

Ownership of Game Information and Prohibited Conduct

 

  1. All rights relating to any information regarding the progress of games, plays, or any other aspect of games — including, but not limited to, team scores, fouls, timeouts, player statistics, substitutions, free throws, matchup information, and play-by-play details (collectively, “Game Information”) — belong exclusively to B.LEAGUE.

  2. Recording, transmitting, distributing, or otherwise making Game Information available to third parties for commercial purposes other than editorial reporting — including, but not limited to, sports betting purposes — by any means or device, including mobile phones and smartphones, is strictly prohibited. However, this restriction does not apply to information officially released by B.LEAGUE as official statistics.

  3. Any video, image, or information recorded or distributed in violation of the above provisions (“Infringing Materials”) shall belong exclusively to B.LEAGUE. Media organizations and individuals shall fully cooperate with any actions necessary to transfer or protect such rights, including the removal of

03. Branding and Intellectual Property Guidelines

Intellectual Property and Trademark Guidelines

  • For editorial use, no application or publication report is required for the use of B.LEAGUE intellectual property, trademarks, or related assets.

  • Please carefully review all distributed materials and logo manuals and comply with the applicable usage guidelines.

  • Required credit lines must be displayed when using B.LEAGUE assets. (“Courtesy of B.LEAGUE” or “©B.LEAGUE”)

  • Copying, resale, alteration, or modification of provided materials is strictly prohibited.

  • Published content must be freely accessible to the public. Paid distribution or paywalled publication is prohibited.

  • B.LEAGUE assets may not be used as website design elements, including icons, decorative illustrations, or similar graphic components.

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Commercial Use
 

  • As a general rule, the use of B.LEAGUE intellectual property, trademarks, logos, mascots, and related assets for commercial purposes is prohibited except for official B.LEAGUE partner companies.

  • Commercial use of B.LEAGUE intellectual property and trademarks may be permitted following review and approval, subject to applicable licensing fees.

  • Intellectual property and trademarks relating solely to an individual B.LEAGUE club may be used by official partners of the applicable club.


 

For any use of B.LEAGUE or club logos, mascots, or other intellectual property for purposes other than editorial coverage,

please contact B.LEAGUE Media Relations in advance:（pr@bleague.jp）

 

Official League and Club Naming Conventions

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Please use the official names and terminology specified in the League Protocol and cooperate in maintaining consistent league branding and terminology.

B.LEAGUE clubs promote community-based club identity through the use of official club naming conventions. When referring to clubs, please use the approved club name or official abbreviation specified above.

The League Protocol is available through the B.LEAGUE MEDIA CHANNEL.​

Photo Usage Regulations

  • Any use outside editorial purposes is generally subject to publicity rights fees and merchandising licensing fees.

  • For commercial activities or usage that does not qualify as editorial use, B.LEAGUE photo assets, likenesses, intellectual property, and trademarks will generally be licensed by the league for a fee.

Category

Examples

1. Advertising / Corporate Promotion

Product catalogs, corporate brochures, internal newsletters, company histories, B.LEAGUE player directories for promotional purposes, promotional magazines, POP displays, direct mail materials, SP tools, and other advertising materials

2. Merchandise Use*

Calendars, posters, bromides, toys, videos, DVDs, premiums, sampling items, and promotional merchandise. *Merchandising approval is required.

3. Commercial Publications / Media

[1] Photo books, B.LEAGUE player directories, comics, etc

.[2] Photo exhibitions and commercial events organized by companies or organizations.

[3] Gaming guides, magazine supplements, or publications with merchandising or property-related characteristics.

[4] Special or supplemental newspaper and magazine issues classified as commercial usage.

4. Public Sector / Government Use

Public relations or campaign activities conducted by government agencies, municipalities, or public institutions

5. Promotion of Editorial Content

Program promotion for game broadcasts, newspaper advertising for periodicals, transit advertisements, or promotional usage announcing editorial content

6. Non-Editorial Publications / Usage

Books, mooks, textbooks, supplemental educational materials, player directories, or cover usage outside sports media publications

【The Purpose of B.LEAGUE Media Guide】

  • B.LEAGUE Media Guide outlines the rules to be followed when covering B.LEAGUE games (GAME MANUAL), as well as the regulations regarding the use of B.LEAGUE properties, including designs, trademarks, photos, and videos (PROPERTY MANUAL).

 

【Applicable Individuals for B.LEAGUE  Media Guide】

  • The GAME MANUAL applies to individuals attending B.LEAGUE games in a media capacity or engaging in activities equivalent to media coverage.

  • The PROPERTY MANUAL applies to all individuals involved in the use of B.LEAGUE properties. However, members defined in the B.LEAGUE Articles of Incorporation as “B.PREMIER Members,” “B.ONE Members,” and “B.NEXT Members” are exempt from this manual, and separate internal regulations between the League and clubs shall apply instead.

04.International Media

Media Categories (International Media)

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<1> Japan-Based International Media

For international wire services with a track record of covering the B.LEAGUE, or journalists and photographers affiliated with the Foreign Correspondents' Club of Japan (FCCJ), the Japan branch should, in principle, create an account on the B.LEAGUE MEDIA CHANNEL and submit match coverage applications through the channel. The number of available press slots depends on the capacity for each specific match.

​

<2> Overseas-Based International Media

For match coverage by international media located outside of Japan, fees may apply for video coverage. Please also check the section below titled "Television Stations and Media Requesting Video Coverage."

  • Press Slots: The number of available press slots (e.g. the seats at media tribune, FOP camera positions) depends on the capacity for each specific match. As a general rule, the host club does not provide interpretation services for media support. If you wish to be accompanied by an interpreter or coordinator, please notify the club when submitting your coverage application.

  • Freelance: Freelance journalists/photographers must apply through the media outlet publishing their work. For television and video coverage, please refer to the section below.

​

Regarding International Media

  • For matches with a high volume of media applications, priority may be given to media outlets from countries closely related to the match.

  • The following categories are established. Depending on the volume of applications, your request may be declined based on the priority order determined by the B.LEAGUE.

​

Categories

  • Broadcasting TV & OTT Streaming

  • TV / Television

  • News Agency / Wire Service

  • Newspaper

  • TV-affiliated Digital Media

  • Newspaper-affiliated Digital Media

  • Web Media / Digital-only Media

  • OTT (Over-The-Top)

  • Others

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■ Media Application Process

Please fill out the required information and submit your application to the host club of the match via the B.LEAGUE MEDIA CHANNEL at least 5 days prior to the match. If you are covering the B.LEAGUE for the first time or applying for a B.LEAGUE MEDIA CHANNEL account, you must attach proof of your media status when submitting the match application or account registration. This includes a copy of your Foreign Press Registration Card, a copy of your employee ID/business card, or, for freelance applicants, an assignment letter from the editorial department of the publishing media outlet.

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■ Television Stations and Media Requesting Video Coverage

All international television stations and media outlets wishing to conduct video coverage must create an account on the B.LEAGUE MEDIA CHANNEL and submit a coverage application to the host club at least 5 days prior to the match. Please apply well in advance, as account approval may take several days. After your application is received, the B.LEAGUE MEDIA CHANNEL will notify you regarding approval. Please note that coverage requests may be declined due to broadcasting rights regulations. If an international television station or media outlet wishes to conduct video coverage films and broadcasts match footage, usage fees may apply. Please note that fees may also apply for filming non-match activities (such as mixed zones and press conferences). Even if video filming is not permitted, text-only (press) coverage may still be allowed.

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Television / Video Coverage Inquiries: intl@bleague.jp

05.B.LEAGUE Social Media Guidelines for Media

Basic Policy on Social Media Posting

  • Content posted to personal social media accounts shall be subject to the same rules as those applied to general spectators, within the scope accessible by general spectators.

  • However, the primary purpose of media visiting the arena is coverage activities, and members of the media are permitted to enter areas restricted to general spectators under media accreditation, while wearing press passes and bibs.

  • Posting photos, videos, or audio recorded within accreditation-controlled areas (including media areas, mixed zones, press conference rooms, court-end, press seats, and other restricted areas designated by the League) to personal social media accounts is prohibited, regardless of whether the content is match-related or non-match-related.

  • Media accreditation applications solely for the purpose of disseminating information through social media accounts will not be accepted.

  • Photos to be posted must be taken exclusively with smartphones. As smartphones are fundamentally considered "communication devices" and their cameras are classified as an ancillary function, they are not recognized as "authorized coverage equipment" when taking and posting photos to social media.

 

<Important Notes for Posting>

  • Hashtags: When posting, we recommend using the specific hashtags designated for each league, club, or event (#Bleague, #Bpremier, #Bone, #Bnext, etc.).

  • Privacy: If you photograph and post images of spectators or other individuals, please obtain the permission of the subject beforehand.

  • Tagging: When tagging official club accounts or player accounts, please do so responsibly and avoid excessive consecutive posts or unrelated tagging.

  • Monetization: Utilizing captured materials to make posts, or directly generating revenue from the posted materials, is strictly prohibited.

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