Introduction
The Asian University Basketball League (AUBL), known for organizing intercollegiate basketball competitions across Asia, has successfully closed its Series A funding round. The funding, raised on April 10, 2026, is set to accelerate the league's expansion plans and further develop its basketball ecosystem in the region.
Funding Details
The Series A round was led by Blue Pool Capital, the family office of Joe Tsai. This investment marks Blue Pool Capital's continued support, following its earlier involvement during the league's seed stage. Joining Blue Pool Capital in this round are notable investors such as Avenue Capital Group, Bolt Ventures, Nan Fung Group, HSG, and basketball legend Yao Ming. While the exact amount raised remains undisclosed, the involvement of these high-profile investors highlights the growing interest in the potential of collegiate basketball in Asia.
League Overview
Founded by Isaac Low, Jintian Jay Li, and Natalie Lee, the AUBL is sanctioned by the Asian University Sports Federation. It aims to replicate the success of U.S. collegiate basketball by offering fixtures, results, and news from top university teams across Asia. The league launched its inaugural tournament in 2025 in Hangzhou, drawing impressive viewership with over 65 million live-stream views and nearly 30,000 attendees.
Expansion Plans
The recent funding will be instrumental in supporting AUBL's ambitious plans for 2026 and beyond. The league is set to return to Hangzhou in August 2026 with a 12-team tournament, featuring new participants from the Philippines and Australia. Following this, AUBL will transition to its first full home-and-away season in November 2026, culminating in a championship event in 2027. The championship aims to emulate the excitement and scale of the NCAA March Madness.
Use of Funds
The funds will be directed towards enhancing event management for home-and-away operations, community engagement, and the Hoop Scholars initiative. The Hoop Scholars program is designed to support youth basketball development and create pathways for student-athletes across Asia. CEO Jintian Jay Li commented, "We’re focusing on world-class event management, community engagement, and inspiring youth through our Hoop Scholars initiative."
Conclusion
With backing from multiple NBA team owners and international investors, AUBL is poised to become a significant platform within the global basketball ecosystem. The league's efforts to expand and engage with a broader audience reflect a strong commitment to growing university sports in Asia. As the AUBL continues to build on its early success, it is set to play a pivotal role in the future of collegiate basketball in the region.