[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 fight songs! (11–20)
BUZZER BEATERshiritsu ebisu chūgaku
An anthem inspired by the “buzzer beater,” a dramatic shot just before the end of a game.
Selected as the official theme song for the national high school basketball championship, Winter Cup 2018, the track stands out with its uptempo beat and powerful choral work, expressing the passion and challenges of youths in the thick of their adolescence through straightforward lyrics.
Released in December 2018, it is also included on the album MUSiC.
Members Rika Mayama and Ayaka Yasumoto have spoken about the excitement they felt when the song played at the arena.
It’s a rousing support song that gives a strong push not only during basketball games, but to everyone striving toward their dreams and goals.
A Tiny Bit of CourageFUNKY MONKEY BABYS
For everyone on the basketball team who wants to perform at their best in games and practice, I recommend “Chippokena Yuuki” by FUNKY MONKEY BABYS.
It’s a heartwarming, hip-hop-style track with a memorable rhythmic beat and warm melody line.
The lyrics express a sincere desire to change oneself, something many people can relate to.
Listen to it together with your teammates, and the bonds forged through sweat and tears will grow even stronger.
OTAKEBIGRe4N BOYZ
Written as the official theme song for the Resona Group B.LEAGUE 2025–26 season, “OTAKEBI” features the global group &TEAM and was released digitally in December 2025.
Its powerful, arena-shaking beat and irresistible sing-along sections ignite a fighting spirit.
In October 2025, a campaign invited fans to contribute their voices to the track, so you can feel the collective energy everyone created when you listen.
It’s perfect not only before watching a game, but also whenever you want to motivate yourself to take on a challenge.
GOBUMP OF CHICKEN
It’s a song included on BUMP OF CHICKEN’s sixth major original album, Butterflies, released in 2016.
It was used as the theme for the TV commercial “Go into the blue” for the social game Granblue Fantasy.
With its sense of dynamism and speed, I think it pairs well with basketball.
FANTASTIC TUNEOno Kensho
This is Kensho Ono’s memorable debut single, resonating with a sense of speed in its melody and a powerful message.
Released in February 2014, it was used as the ending theme for the second season of the TV anime Kuroko’s Basketball.
The song gives a strong push to anyone taking on a challenge, singing of the determination to carve out a hope-filled future and the courage to follow one’s own path.
Its up-tempo sound and clear vocals are perfect for energizing sports scenes or for moments when you want to fire yourself up.
Truly fitting to color the heated battles of basketball, it continues to resonate in the hearts of many to this day.
Until the World Ends…WANDS
WANDS, a band that brightened Japan’s music scene in the 1990s.
Their hit song “As the World Ends…” was released in 1992 and is also known as the ending theme for the anime Slam Dunk.
The lyrics, which evoke a sense of lost love and the loneliness that follows, have resonated with many and made it a timeless classic.
It’s a recommended track for everyone who loves basketball and for those striving to move forward in their daily lives.
[Basketball Fight Songs] Carefully Selected Tournament Theme Songs and Power-Packed Cheer Anthems! (21–30)
ZEROOno Kensho
A rock tune marked by powerful guitar and drum riffs.
Its message—staying true to yourself and turning your current efforts into future pride—is sure to resonate strongly with basketball players and fans alike.
Released in April 2015 as Kensho Ono’s second single, this track was used as the opening theme for Season 3’s Teiko Arc of the TV anime Kuroko’s Basketball.
With Ono’s compelling vocals—befitting the leading voice actor—the song enriches the anime’s world even further.
It’s a perfect pick both as pre-game hype music and as a rallying anthem for teams fighting as one.