#Japan #Yokohama #Start Line #Sports Inclusion #Yokohama Excellence

Yokohama Excellence Expands Access to Professional Basketball

In an inspiring move towards inclusivity, the Yokohama Excellence basketball team has officially entered into a partnership agreement with Start Line, a company dedicated to supporting employment for people with disabilities. This partnership marks a significant step in their efforts to cultivate a society where everyone can live authentically. The arrangement will remain in place through the 2025-26 season and aims to provide free access to professional basketball games for individuals with disabilities.

About the Partnership

Start Line, based in Mitaka City, Tokyo, focuses on aiding people with disabilities, creating a balance between community engagement and sports. Under this partnership, the “Start Line Ticket” initiative will continue, allowing individuals with disabilities who reside, study, or work in Yokohama to attend Yokohama Excellence games free of charge, enhancing their inclusion in sports and local community events.

Yokohama Excellence has recently transitioned to the B2 league after an impressive 2024-25 season in the B3 league, culminating in a remarkable playoff run that secured their promotion to B2 in May 2025. Their outstanding performance, boasting 45 wins against only 7 losses, showcases not just athletic prowess but the club’s deep commitment to community development.

The team’s slogan, 'LIGHT UP FOR EXCELLENCE,' reflects their ethos of growth and contribution to the community through sports. The EX Community Project, part of their varied initiatives, aims to uplift the community through sports, demonstrating the pivotal role that athletic engagement can play in society. Through this project, they aspire to energize and foster a sense of belonging among diverse individuals.

Start Line Ticket Initiative

The Start Line Ticket initiative is specifically designed to support individuals holding disability certificates, inviting them to enjoy free seats in the 2nd floor of the Yokohama Budokan and designated wheelchair-accessible sections for all home games throughout the 2025-26 season. This initiative underscores the commitment to making professional sports accessible to everyone, reinforcing that sports belong to all.

For entry into this program, individuals must provide a physical disability handbook, rehabilitation handbook, or mental health welfare handbook while applying for tickets. This inclusive effort speaks to Yokohama Excellence’s broader objective of delivering an enriching sports experience while implementing a spirited environment for players and fans alike.

The various matches held at either the Yokohama Budokan or Yokohama BUNTAN will offer a vibrant setting for spectators. Importantly, those interested in attending can look forward to a range of engaging activities surrounding the games, fostering a truly community-centered atmosphere.

About Start Line

Founded in 2009, Start Line operates under the guiding principle of empathy—caring for oneself, others, and the broader society. Utilizing frameworks from Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and contextual behavioral science (CBS), they are dedicated to creating a nurturing environment for individuals with disabilities in the workplace.

Their services extend beyond just job placement; they offer comprehensive consulting and coaching through initiatives such as INCLU, which is a support office for disability employment. Each effort is aimed at broadening the horizons of people with disabilities, ensuring there are numerous avenues available for development and success.

In summary, the recently forged partnership between Yokohama Excellence and Start Line sets a precedent for sports organizations to prioritize inclusivity. By providing opportunities through the Start Line Ticket, they are taking meaningful steps toward establishing a society where everyone, regardless of their background or abilities, can thrive and enjoy the beauty of professional sports.

With this dynamic connection, both entities look forward to brighter futures filled with sporting triumphs and holistic community engagement, allowing inspiring moments to be shared widely.

For more information on upcoming games and the Start Line Ticket initiative, kindly check out the official Yokohama Excellence website here.