KAI SOTTO IS OFFICIALLY A MEMBER OF ALTIRI CHIBA!

A new chapter begins for Filipino basketball star Kai Sotto as Altiliere Chiba officially announces an agreement with the 7-foot-2 Filipino center for the B.LEAGUE PREMIER 2026-27 season. The move brings one of the Philippines' most recognizable basketball talents to a club preparing for a new era in Japan's top-level competition.

Sotto joins Altiliri Chiba after spending the 2024-25 and 2025-26 seasons with the Koshigaya Alphas. His Japanese basketball journey also includes stints with the Hiroshima Dragonflies and Yokohama B-Corsairs, following his time with the Adelaide 36ers in Australia's NBL and NBA G League Ignite.

Standing at 220 cm (7-foot-2) and weighing 120 kg, Sotto brings size, international experience, soft touch around the basket and passing ability to Altiliere Chiba. He has also represented the Philippines on the international stage, including at the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup.

And Filipino fans won't have to wait long.

Kai is set to join the team for its September 24 game against Gunma, while his official game entry is scheduled to begin on October 3 against Kawasaki Brave Thunders.

Sotto said he is excited to meet the coaching staff, teammates and fans, and promised to do everything he can to help Altiliere Chiba win and achieve great things this season.

A new team. A new challenge. A new chapter for Kai Sotto in Japan. 🇵🇭🇯🇵

How do you think Kai will fit into Altiliere Chiba's system?