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[Basketball Cheer Songs] A curated selection of tournament theme songs and energizing anthems!

Basketball’s popularity is on the rise in Japan, thanks to the national team’s strong performances at the Olympics and the excitement surrounding the professional B.League.

Japanese players shining in the NBA are also drawing a lot of attention.

Beyond cheering through the TV, many people are passionately involved in school clubs or heading to arenas to enjoy games in person.

In this article, we’ve gathered basketball-related songs: tracks you can use to cheer during games, theme songs from the domestic league and international tournaments, and opening themes from anime that feature basketball.

They’re all perfect as pump-up BGM for practice, so whether you’re a player or a fan, be sure to check them out!

[Basketball Cheering Songs] A curated selection of tournament theme songs and power-packed anthems! (81–90)

Don’t give upZARD

Don't Give Up – ZARD (Full)
Don't give upZARD

When it comes to motivational songs, many people probably think of ZARD’s “Makenaide” (“Don’t Give Up”).

Although it was originally a song about a long-distance relationship, it became established as a classic cheer song because it’s sung to support the runners’ final sprint in the 24-Hour TV charity marathon.

Its mid-tempo melody gives it a sense of drive while still being easy to sing, which is another reason it’s loved by so many.

If you’re looking to rally a crowd in song, be sure to choose this track.

Winner (feat. Jamie Foxx, Justin Timberlake)T.I.

A song by Jamie Foxx, an American singer and actor.

It’s also included on his studio album “Best Night of My Life.” The track is a collaboration with singer Justin Timberlake, known as JT, and rapper T.I.

The title “Winner,” meaning a champion, makes it perfect as a fight song! The lyrics even include words that evoke basketball.

Funny Bunnythe pillows

This is a song included on the pillows’ 1999 album “HAPPY BIVOUAC.” Its chorus makes listeners feel encouraged, so it’s popular as a fight song.

It was also used as an insert song in the anime FLCL.

Know YourselfDrake

The NBA—and by extension, basketball—and hip-hop have an inseparable relationship.

“Know Yourself” by Drake, the world-renowned rapper from Canada, is a track from his 2015 mixtape If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late.

Its understated, steady beat and flow draw you in, even evoking a calm atmosphere.

It’s a staple anthem among the Toronto Raptors basketball team.

Drake himself is a Raptors fan, too.

I Know I Got SkillzShaquille O’Neal

Shaquille O’Neal is a former American basketball player who excelled as an NBA star from 1992 until his retirement in 2011.

Known for the feat of breaking the basket twice in official games, he is actually a rapper as well.

His track “I Know I Got Skillz” was released in 1993 as his debut single and is included on the album “Shaq Diesel.”

BeautifulSuperfly

“Beautiful” is a powerful track by Superfly, overflowing with courage and hope.

The moment you hear it, your heart starts pounding, and it gives you a push to regain a positive mindset, carrying a message that propels you forward.

The chorus in particular showcases Superfly’s overwhelming vocal prowess, radiating an energy that moves listeners.

Listen to it before a basketball game and it’s sure to ignite the passion for victory not only in the players but also in the crowd, uniting everyone as one.

“Beautiful” gives you the strength to face any obstacle—why not put it on repeat?

[Basketball Cheering Songs] Carefully Selected Tournament Theme Songs and Power-Packed Fight Songs! (91–100)

OverUchida Yūma

Yuma Uchida "Over" Music Video (Short ver.)
OverUchida Yūma

This song was used as the ending theme for the anime Ahiru no Sora, which centers on high school basketball.

It was released in 2020 as the fifth single by popular voice actor Yuma Uchida.

It’s an upbeat rock number that sings, “As long as you’re with me, I can go anywhere.” His clear, uplifting vocals perfectly match the message of the song.

Listening to it stirs your fighting spirit.

If you play it before an important game, it’ll surely boost your energy and get you fired up.