A potential new Sphere-style arena could be developed in Tokyo, following discussions between SBI Holdings and Madison Square Garden Entertainment regarding a possible collaboration.
According to reports from Nikkei, SBI Holdings has entered negotiations with MSG Entertainment for a venue project in Japan’s capital, with Odaiba island identified as a potential location.
The proposed arena is expected to cost between 350 billion yen and 500 billion yen (approximately £1.7bn–£2.2bn), according to SBI Holdings chairman Yoshitaka Kitao. He stated that the company is committed to pursuing the project “no matter what,†as part of its strategy to build a new customer base.
The planned venue could accommodate around 20,000 spectators and feature a fully enclosed spherical design, similar to the Las Vegas Sphere operated by Sphere Entertainment.
The Las Vegas Sphere, which opened in 2023 with a capacity of 17,600, has become known for its distinctive exosphere façade. Sphere Entertainment is also pursuing international expansion, including a second venue planned in Abu Dhabi and additional projects across the Middle East and North Africa.
Further developments include a smaller “mini Sphere†project in National Harbor, Maryland, with a capacity of 6,000 seats, as part of the company’s broader ambition to develop multiple Sphere venues globally in the coming years.
Discussions between SBI Holdings and MSG Entertainment are expected to continue over the coming months as the Tokyo project progresses.