The Sydney Kings and Japan’s Chiba Jets are excited to announce their Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which is set to unlock training, commercial, and talent opportunities for the two elite basketball clubs.     

The relationship will see the five-time NBL champions work with the 2020-21 Japanese B.LEAGUE winners on several key priorities on and off the court, including pre-season games, coaching collaboration, academy and grassroots programs and tours along with commercial opportunities.      

Chiba Jets board director and general manager Yuta Ikeuchi said, “We sincerely thank Hoops Capital for their continued support and encouragement for the Chiba Jets.”  

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“The Sydney Kings have produced numerous world-class players, including NBA champion Andrew Bogut, and currently have Xavier Cooks, who played for the Chiba Jets last season.   

“We are thrilled to establish this partnership with such a storied team.    

“Through our partnership with the Sydney Kings, we look forward to leveraging the strengths of both clubs to create new opportunities for our players, staff, fans, and boosters.   

“With close cooperation between both clubs, we will work to mutually strengthen our competitive and business aspects.    

“Going forward, the Chiba Jets will actively engage in various activities, including partnerships with overseas clubs, with the goal of developing the club and expanding into Asia and the world.”  

Following Xavier Cooks’ time at the Chiba Jets and King #246 DJ Hogg currently playing with the Japanese side, the relationship between the clubs has never been stronger with Hoops Capital executive director Matthew Denholm excited by this landmark partnership.      

“We are really proud to announce this partnership with Chiba  

 Jets to further strengthen the relationships between the two clubs and two countries.”  

“We’re proud that the success of the Sydney Kings and NBL is recognised internationally as one of the strongest basketball leagues in the world,” Mr Denholm said.    

Particularly important are the commercial opportunities available through this partnership as it will allow both brands to have a presence in each other’s markets and allow them to engage each other’s partners. 

The agreement follows in the footsteps of the NBL’s landmark MOU with the B.LEAGUE earlier this year.     

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Hoops Capital CEO of Basketball Chris Pongrass believes this agreement will only strengthen the connection between the two leagues.  

“Talent on and off the court is going from strength to strength and this partnership allows us to continue this growth and the evolution of basketball across Australia and the Asia region,” Mr Pongrass said. 

The Sydney Kings’ next home is on Sunday, October 13 against the Cairns Taipans – tipping off at 2.15pm AEDT.  

Tickets to the Qudos Bank Arena fixture are still available here.