College Hoops in Asia Soars with Launch of Asian University Basketball League (AUBL)

HONG KONG--( BUSINESS WIRE )-- The AUBL has officially unveiled its inaugural season, featuring powerhouse teams from Japan, including Nippon Sport Science University, and Hakuoh University. This marks a historic step forward for college basketball in Asia, as the AUBL establishes a premier platform uniting the region’s top programs in elite competition.

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AUBL is a pioneering pan-regional basketball competition spotlighting Asia’s most prestigious university basketball programs, anchored by top teams from Greater China, Japan, and Korea. The groundbreaking new league will bring the energy and excitement of university sports and “March Madness” level fandom to the region, creating international rivalries and showcasing top talent. AUBL has received a seed round investment from Blue Pool Capital, the family office of Joe Tsai, Chairman of Alibaba Group and owner of the Brooklyn Nets owner.

“As a former student-athlete, I appreciate the value of college sports for both participants and their communities," said Joe Tsai. "In Asian society, top-tier universities are among the most recognized brands, and they easily translate into sports through the spirit of competition between schools. That's why I believe in the AUBL's vision. Asia's growing basketball market, rising talent, and increasing institutional support create the right conditions for a successful collegiate league.”

The formation of the AUBL is sanctioned by the Asian University Sports Federation (“AUSF”), the governing body of university sports in Asia. In November 2024, AUSF and Hong Kong-based sports holding company Realeague reached an exclusive strategic partnership to jointly create the new league.

This summer, AUBL is set to host its inaugural season through a single tournament format from August 18 – 24 in Hangzhou, China – a city renowned for blending AI innovation with cultural heritage. With 24 exciting games over the course of 7 days, Asia’s 12 best college basketball teams will convene and compete for the first-ever AUBL Championship. Starting in 2026, AUBL will present a full home-and-away season format that spans over 6 months, culminating in a “Final Four” championship tournament at a pre-determined site.

The list of participating universities in AUBL’s 2025 season includes the following institutions:

• Nippon Sport Science University (Japan)
• Hakuoh University (Japan)
• Tsinghua University (China)
• Peking University (China)
• Yonsei University (South Korea)
• Konkuk University (South Korea)
• Taiyuan University of Technology (China)
• National Chengchi University (Chinese Taipei)
• University of Hong Kong (Hong Kong, China)
• Shanghai Jiao Tong University (China)
• Dongguk University (South Korea)
• Zhejiang University (China)

Nippon Sport Science University (“NSSU”), one of the oldest physical education universities in Asia, boasts one of Japan’ most respected collegiate basketball programs. The team, coached by Fujita Masahiro, has consistently competed at the highest level in Japanese college basketball, winning the 74^th Kanto University Basketball Championships earlier this month. NSSU’s roster features standout player Ozawa Hiyuu, who recently represented Japan in the 48^th Lee Sang-Baek Cup Japan Korea University Basketball Tournament.

“We are truly honored to represent Japanese universities in the AUBL,” said Fujita Masahiro. “We hold deep respect for all the participating universities and hope to contribute significantly to international sports exchange and the development of basketball across Asia. We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the AUBL and all fans of university basketball for their dedication in making this tournament possible.”

Hakuoh University is a powerhouse in the world of Japanese collegiate basketball. Constantly playing with strong defense and a tenacious spirit, they won their first national championship in 2021. The team is coached by Tomoo Amino, a former Japan National Team player, and their roster features U19 Japan National Player Ryosei Sato.

“With close to 1 billion basketball fans in Asia, we see that the most untapped potential in the entire basketball ecosystem exists here at the college level,” says Jay Li, CEO and Co-Founder of AUBL. “Passionate fans, intense competitive energy and an incredible spirit of teamwork and sportsmanship, are at the core of the sport’s DNA. We aspire to build a history-defining league that will accelerate the sport’s development and trajectory by bringing top collegiate teams from Asia together.”

AUBL, with its mandate to advance regional collaboration, foster elite exchanges, and support developmental initiatives, is creating a unified platform for the next generation of Asian players and fans.

About the Asian University Basketball League (AUBL)

Sanctioned by the Asian University Sports Federation (AUSF), the Asian University Basketball League (AUBL) is a pan-regional intercollegiate basketball league spotlighting Asia’s most prestigious university basketball programs, anchored by top teams from Greater China, Japan, and Korea. In 2025, the AUBL will take the format of an elite tournament from August 18 – 24 in Hangzhou, China. From 2026 onwards, the AUBL will present a full home-and-away season format. The AUBL provides a platform for elite student athletes in Asia to showcase their basketball talent while elevating the culture and development of Asian collegiate sports to the next level.

For more information, please visit the official website: https://www.aubl.com/

About the Investors

Blue Pool Capital is the family office of Joe Tsai, Chairman of Alibaba Group and owner of the Brooklyn Nets and New York Liberty.

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