[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!
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[Basketball Cheering Songs] A curated selection of tournament theme songs and energizing cheer anthems! (111–120)
We Will Rock YouQueen
Queen, the world-famous rock band from the UK.
Their beloved anthem “We Will Rock You,” which just about everyone can hum, was included on the 1977 album News of the World.
Written by Brian May with the idea of creating a song the audience could participate in, its striking opening stomp-and-clap rhythm sets hearts pounding.
The powerful, pounding beat and Freddie Mercury’s vocals are sure to fire you up from the core.
Transcending generations, it’s often used as a sports cheer song, and it fits basketball especially well.
The way the tempo builds steadily seems to match the rising, chase-down mood of the game.
It’s truly the perfect anthem for uniting players and fans as one!
Sound of BounceDA PUMP
Released as a single in 2003 as the theme song for the TV anime based on the manga DEAR BOYS, this track is also included on DA PUMP’s first self-produced album, Night Walk.
The album won the Gold Award at the 45th Japan Record Awards held that same year.
The lyrics feature basketball terms such as “bash” (basketball shoes) and “fadeaway.”
PrayEvery Little Thing
It was released in 2000 as Every Little Thing’s 13th single.
The song was used in DyDo’s “Ti-Ha” commercial and in a corporate commercial for Nippon Menard Cosmetics for the Nagoya Women’s Marathon 2017, and it reached No.
2 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.
It’s a refreshing, uplifting track that makes you feel like you can do anything.
Words of FarewellGReeeeN
A heartwarming song that expresses gratitude and farewell to basketball team friends.
Released as a single by GReeeeN in October 2018, it was chosen as the theme song for the film “Run! T High School Basketball Club.” While looking back on the days spent with teammates, it welcomes a new departure—an uplifting message song that will especially resonate with those graduating.
Highly recommended for listening when retiring from club activities or during graduation season!
To Hikarimiwa
Released in 2012 as miwa’s ninth single.
It was selected as the theme song for Fuji TV’s Monday 9 p.m.
drama “Rich Man, Poor Woman,” and was written after reading the script.
It reached a personal best of No.
4 on the Oricon Weekly Chart and led to her first appearance at the 64th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen—a positive, uplifting song.
Flame of the CowardMAGIC OF LiFE
“Flame of the Coward” features a powerful sound and a commanding male vocal, making it perfect as a basketball cheer song.
The lyrics are filled with uplifting phrases like “Move, these feet!” and “Don’t run away from yourself,” giving players courage when listened to before a game.
It’s also great as background music for practice—the strong rhythm fires players up and boosts their motivation.
Incorporate this track into your game-day chants and practice sessions for that extra push toward victory.
Start to shine and run forwardSambomasutā
This is a renowned song that powerfully portrays a protagonist, burning with passion, dashing toward the future while pursuing their true self.
It resonates with the message that there’s no need to imitate anyone else, and that it’s important to let your own unique flower bloom.
The track is filled with courage and determination, urging listeners to take a step toward hope by overcoming the sorrow and pain they carry.
Released as Sambomaster’s single in August 2018, it was used as the theme song for the TBS Friday drama “Cheer☆Dan.” As a song that supports the story of high school students striving toward their dreams, it deeply moved many viewers.
It’s a piece that strongly pushes the backs of those devoted to lessons and practice, and those facing hardships, giving them the courage to take a step forward.