[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 Power-Packed Cheer Anthems! (1–10)
AKATSUKIRude-α
It’s a powerful, message-driven track about basketball.
Created by Rude-α and released in June 2024, it became a hot topic as the theme song for the film “BELIEVE: The Men Who Never Gave Up on Japanese Basketball.” The soundscape, where hip-hop beats meet fiery energy, is super cool.
The lyrics, depicting the courage to face adversity, are striking and sure to resonate with sports fans.
Perfect as BGM before a basketball game or during practice.
365WATWING
A heartwarming message song by WATWING that powerfully sings about the bonds with teammates and the courage to pursue your dreams.
While frankly depicting the challenges of human connection in a digital society and the anxiety and doubts that arise while chasing dreams, it still conveys a hopeful, positive spirit.
Chosen as the official theme song for the SoftBank Winter Cup in December 2024, it energized the tournament.
With its uptempo sound, it’s infused with the passion and feelings of young people taking on basketball.
It will boost your spirits not only before practice or a game, but also when you’re facing difficulties and feel like you might stop, giving you a gentle push forward.
CatalrismOLDCODEX
Featured as the ending theme for the anime Kuroko’s Basketball, this track is a powerful piece themed around challenge and growth, portraying the determination to overcome the tension and pressure felt during basketball games.
OLDCODEX’s energetic rock sound and dynamic rhythms strike a chord.
Released in August 2012, the song showcases a superb fusion of their musical style and visual expression.
It’s recommended for boosting motivation before practice or matches, and as background music to elevate the spirit during cheering.
[Basketball Cheering Songs] A curated selection of tournament theme songs and energizing fight songs! (11–20)
99DOBERMAN INFINITY
An uplifting anthem to basketball brimming with exhilarating youthful energy from DOBERMAN INFINITY.
Its positive message—depicting a departure to discover new horizons with your teammates—blends seamlessly with an up-tempo, danceable hip-hop sound.
Included on the album #PRLG released in November 2014, it was selected as the program theme song for J SPORTS’ “High School Basketball Winter Cup 2014.” Powerfully pushing the hard-fighting players from behind and elevating the hearts of the audience, this track is sure to ignite a player’s competitive spirit—not only when cheering at basketball games, but also as background music for club practice.
together; along with; bothWANIMA
WANIMA’s signature song “Tomoni” is included on the indie mini-album “JUICE UP!!,” released in 2016.
Because it was also used as the CM song for Kao’s “8×4 Body Fresh: Basketball Club Friendship Edition,” it carries an image that makes it perfect for cheering on basketball.
It’s an outstanding track for supporting those who keep moving forward and giving their all.
Fresh, fast-paced, and a classic youth anthem, right?
Buzzer BeaterUchida Yūma
This is an ambitious work by Yuma Uchida that brilliantly captures the tension and exhilaration of the closing moments of a basketball game.
The way the game unfolds from both offensive and defensive perspectives creates a sense of realism that makes you feel as if you’re actually on the court.
Layered vocal work evoking a crowded defensive formation merges seamlessly with Uchida’s first attempt at rap, building a distinctive world of its own.
Included on the single “Over,” released in February 2020, it was also used as the ending theme for the anime Ahiru no Sora.
Its message of pushing forward through setbacks and failures will powerfully encourage not only students devoted to their basketball clubs, but anyone who continues to challenge themselves toward a goal.
Parallel Synchronicity produced by m-floShuuKaRen
The theme song for the B.LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP 2016–17 by ShuuKaRen fuses electronic beats with a powerful message.
It vividly portrays the importance of believing in your potential and continuing to challenge yourself in pursuit of your dreams.
With m-flo’s sophisticated production, the thrill and passion of forging the future resonate alongside an urbane soundscape.
Released in November 2017, the track celebrates the joy of chasing dreams with your teammates, blending hard work with heartfelt devotion.
Its dynamic rhythm and uplifting message will energize not only the players but everyone who loves sports.