• National Chengchi University clinches AUBL 2025 championship, overcoming Tsinghua University by just three points in an 82-79 win
• Binjiang Gymnasium Debuts Asia's First 3D Virtual Court with 400 Square Meter LED Display to 30,000 fans
• Widespread Global Coverage: The event reached a massive international audience, generating over 1.5 billion online impressions

The inaugural Asian University Basketball League (AUBL) made history in Hangzhou, China from August 18-24, bringing together 12 elite teams, featuring over 150 top university players from six regions across Asia. In a thrilling finale, National Chengchi University claimed the championship title, defeating Tsinghua University 82-79. With over 30,000 live attendees, 1.55+ billion online impressions, 200+ million live broadcast views, and earning coverage from more than 2,000 global media outlets, AUBL 2025 captured the world's attention and set a new benchmark for elite university sports in Asia.

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National Chengchi University lifting the championship trophy

From tip-off to final buzzer, competition was defined by intensity and elite play. Energized fans were treated to nail-biting finishes, with over half the games, including every playoff contest, decided by 10 points or fewer, often coming down to the last 2 minutes.

“We are proud to usher in a new era for Asian university basketball, an achievement made possible by the unwavering backing of a global community.” Jay Li, AUBL CEO, said, “AUBL 2025 is not just a regional tournament but a truly global phenomenon. University students represent the new generation of athletes and our future basketball stars. The AUBL aims not only to provide a platform where they can achieve their dreams but also to help them explore and expand their worldview through competition.”

Hangzhou's Binjiang Gymnasium was completely transformed into a pioneering digital arena with a revolutionary 400-square-meter LED court system, which, when combined with over 200 dynamic lighting arrangements and synchronized graphics, created Asia's first 3D virtual basketball court. With a seamless 270-degree field of view, the LED system delivered synchronized dynamic content across the entire court, ensuring maximum visual impact and audience immersion from any angle.

The AUBL's inaugural success was further powered by partnerships with leading industry sponsors. The league proudly featured:

• Presenting Partners Quark, one of Asia’s leading AI Assistant tools developed by Alibaba, and Master Kong, one of China’s largest food and beverage companies
• Under Armour as the AUBL’s Official Athletics & Game Ball Partner
• Multiple Designated Industry Partners, including J.P. Morgan and Zeekr, a NYSE-listed automobile company owned by Geely

Beyond the on-court action, the AUBL 2025 experience was amplified through a series of exclusive partner events that blended elite competition, networking, and inspiration.

In a highlight of the summer, Under Armour and four-time NBA champion Stephen Curry invited 8 standout AUBL athletes to an exhibition game in Chongqing on August 20. The match culminated in a storybook finish, with Team AUBL sealing a thrilling victory over Team Curry Camp on a spectacular buzzer-beating three-pointer.

"Under Armour is proud to team up with the AUBL, elevating Asian university basketball to unprecedented heights. These student-athletes embody the very essence of passion, grit, and determination that define the future of the sport. Basketball, as the ultimate team sport, is in our DNA. We're thrilled to empower young players to push their limits with underdog spirit and our innovation for peak performance. Together, we're revitalizing youth sports and igniting basketball culture across the region,” said Simon Pestridge, Senior Vice President, Managing Director, APAC & General Manager, China, Under Armour.

The league also partnered with J.P. Morgan to host a VIP luncheon on August 24, featuring a fireside chat with Joe Tsai and Yao Ming. The event gathered 120 industry leaders for a rare opportunity to hear the two legends reflect on three defining phases of their careers: their journeys as athletes, team owners, and business leaders.

"We believe in empowering the next generation of leaders—on and off the court. The AUBL has created an extraordinary platform that blends competition, culture, and community, and we are honored to support this vision while connecting athletes and industry leaders through meaningful dialogue." Said Harshika Patel, CEO of J.P. Morgan Private Bank Asia.

The AUBL will introduce a full home-and-away season format for the 2026-2027 season spanning six months, culminating in a championship tournament in a new city next year.

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 launched as an elite tournament from August 18-24 in Hangzhou, China. From late 2026 to 2027 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: www.aubl.com.

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