One Piece is officially stepping onto the basketball court, with the long-running anime launching a surprise crossover with US college basketball programs.
Branded as One Piece College Basketball US Voyage, the crossover kicks off on January 23 with the tour running through early March.
According to the official press release, the collaboration will feature One Piece visuals throughout the arenas, themed in-game presentations, exclusive giveaways, and marching bands will play the iconic One Piece anime opening “We Are”.
One Piece x college basketball collab
The crossover includes special appearances at games hosted by the Gonzaga Bulldogs, Rutgers Scarlet Knights, St. John’s Red Storm, the Houston Cougars, and the Illinois Fighting Illini.
Fans attending the themed games can get free One Piece T-shirts, collectible posters, and exclusive promo cards for the One Piece Card Game, alongside halftime segments and arena music inspired by the anime.
Each school will also host its own One Piece night, giving every stop on the tour a slightly different feel.
However, this isn’t One Piece’s first brush with American sports, as the franchise has previously crossed over with the NBA through themed game nights, including promotions tied to the Los Angeles Lakers, as well as officially licensed figures and merchandise featuring Straw Hat characters in basketball jerseys.
