TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan's B-League announced Thursday that its top-tier basketball teams in Ibaraki and Kyoto will play in the B-League Premier, its rebranded top-flight competition, when it launches in 2026.

The additions bring the new circuit's roster to 24 teams, the same number that now play in the first-tier B1, although more teams may be added on Dec. 26. The first 22 future B-League Premier teams were announced Oct. 17.

The new circuit will impose an 800 million yen ($5.16 million) salary cap and allow teams to create long-term business plans without fear of relegation. Each team must have an arena with a minimum capacity of 5,000 and VIP seating while meeting attendance and sales criteria.