Asian University Basketball League

The Asian University Basketball League (AUBL) is the first regional university basketball league in Asia. It brings together top university basketball teams from China, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Mongolia, Hong Kong, and other countries and regions across the continent. The Asian University Basketball League is officially sanctioned and hosted by the Asian University Sports Federation (AUSF) and is exclusively operated by Asia Campus Basketball Co., Ltd. In November 2024, the AUSF entered into a strategic partnership with Hong Kong–based Realeague Sports Holdings to jointly announce the establishment of the league.^[1]

The league's first CEO is Li Jintian, who also serves as the CEO of Realeague. The creation of the league was additionally supported by investment from Joseph Tsai, a Taiwan-born businessman who was, at the time, the owner of the Brooklyn Nets and the chairman of Alibaba.^[2]

The inaugural Asian University Basketball League will be held in Hangzhou from August 18 to 24, 2025. Over the course of the week-long tournament, 12 top university teams will compete in 24 games to determine the league's first-ever champion. Beginning in 2026, the league will transition to a fully upgraded format featuring a six-month home-and-away season, culminating in a Final Four held at a neutral venue to crown the champion.^[3]

Founded in 2025, AUBL brings together top university basketball teams from China, Japan,  South Korea, Taiwan (Chinese Taipei), Mongolia, Hong Kong, and other regions across the continent. The Asian University Basketball League is officially sanctioned by the Asian University Sports Federation (AUSF). In November 2024, the AUSF entered a strategic partnership with Hong Kong–based Realeague Limited to jointly announce the establishment of the league.2 Sport First Season Basketball 2025 No. of Teams Regions 12 China Hong Kong, China Japan Mongolia South Korea Taiwan Most Recent Champions National Chengchi University.^[4]

In late November 2024, Realeague hosted the Asian University Basketball Challenge (AUBC) in Hong Kong. AUBC featured six university teams; with Yonsei University from Korea ultimately winning the championship. This tournament served as a test event for the eventual creation of AUBL.^[5]

In August 2025, AUBL kickstarted their inaugural season. Over the course of the week-long competition, 12 top university teams competed in 24 games to determine the league's first ever champion. After a hard fought battle with Tsinghua University in the Finals, National Chengchi University from Taiwan was crowned the champions.^[6]

The Asian University Basketball League (AUBL) is led by CEO Jay Li, a Beijing native and international sports executive. Li began his career at NBA headquarters in New York, focusing on global media and partnerships, later serving as special assistant to Yao Ming at the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) and heading its strategic development.^[7]

The league's establishment is supported by investment from Joseph Tsai, a Taiwanese-born businessman who owns the Brooklyn Nets and serves as chairman of Alibaba Group. ^[8]

The AUBL's inaugural 2025 season featured sponsors including presenting partners Quark and Master Kong; Under Armour as official athletics and game ball partner; and designated industry partners such as J.P. Morgan and Zeekr. 

Beyond on-court competition, the season featured partner-led events that combined basketball, business, and community engagement. On August 20, Under Armour and Stephen Curry hosted an exhibition event in Chongqing featuring eight AUBL athletes, which concluded with a buzzer-beating victory for Team AUBL over Team Curry.^[9] On August 24, J.P. Morgan hosted a VIP luncheon – highlighted by a fireside chat with Joseph Tsai and Yao Ming discussing their careers as athletes, team owners, and business leaders.^[10]

AUBL has positioned itself at the forefront of innovation in sports production across Asia through advanced venue technology, immersive broadcast design, and progressive competition formats. At the 2025 tournament in Hangzhou, Binjiang Gymnasium was transformed into a fully digital arena featuring a 400-square-meter LED court system, synchronized lighting, and dynamic on-court graphics, creating Asia’s first 3D virtual basketball court with a 270-degree immersive viewing experience.^[11]

These production efforts contributed to significant global exposure, with the event generating over 1.5 billion online impressions. League leadership has emphasized that AUBL’s production strategy reflects a broader vision to modernize the presentation of university sports and connect Asian student-athletes with global audiences.

Beginning in 2026, the league will transition to a fully upgraded format featuring a six-month home-and-away season, culminating in an Elite Eight held at a neutral venue to crown the champion.^[12]

Beyond the league competition, AUBL is dedicated to elevating basketball development throughout Asia. During their first season in Hangzhou, AUBL partnered with the Joe Tsai Basketball Foundation to run a basketball training session for the local kids. At the end of December 2025, AUBL launched their inaugural basketball development initiative – AUBL Hoop Scholars. Over the course of three days, AUBL Hoop Scholars trained boys and girls from the high school to college level who demonstrated strong academic commitment alongside a passion for basketball. The program emphasizes discipline, coachability, and long-term growth — supporting young players who aspire to excel both on the court and in the classroom.^[13]