The Asian University Basketball League (AUBL), a pan-regional intercollegiate basketball competition across Asia, has announced the closing of its Series A funding round as it accelerates plans to build a large-scale college basketball ecosystem in the region.
The round was led by Blue Pool Capital, the family office of Joe Tsai, who had previously backed the league during its seed stage. New investors joining the round include Avenue Capital Group, led by Marc Lasry, Bolt Ventures from David Blitzer, Nan Fung Group, HSG, and basketball icon Yao Ming.
The funding signals growing confidence from global sports and investment leaders in the league’s potential to replicate the success of U.S. collegiate basketball in Asia. AUBL is sanctioned by the Asian University Sports Federation and debuted in 2025 with a tournament in Hangzhou that drew over 65 million live-stream views and nearly 30,000 in-person attendees.
Building on that momentum, AUBL has outlined an ambitious roadmap for the 2026 to 2027 period. The league will return to Hangzhou in August 2026 with a 12-team tournament featuring universities from across Asia, including new entrants from the Philippines and Australia. It will then transition into its first full home-and-away season beginning in November 2026, culminating in a championship event in 2027 designed to mirror the scale and excitement of NCAA March Madness.
The league is also investing in grassroots development through its Hoop Scholars initiative, which aims to support youth basketball and student-athlete pathways across Asia.
With backing from multiple NBA team owners and global investors, AUBL is positioning itself as a foundational platform within the international basketball ecosystem, targeting both competitive excellence and cultural impact across university sports in Asia.
KEY QUOTES:
“We’re thrilled to welcome our Series A investors. The response last year to our debut season confirmed what we believed from the start: there is a real appetite for a platform like this across Asia. Schools, coaches, players, and fans are ready for something bigger. We’re focusing on three priorities right now: world-class event management for home-and-away operations, community engagement centered around students and alumni, and authentic touchpoints to inspire youth through our Hoop Scholars initiative. Our ambition is not just to run a league; it’s to spark a movement that turns Asian university sports into a cultural force.”
Jay Li, CEO and Co-Founder of AUBL
“Attending last year’s AUBL Finals in person and witnessing first-hand the energy in the arena, the passion of the fans, and the level of play on the court further reinforced my belief that the league is headed in the right direction. This exceptional group of investors proves the potential is real and will help fuel AUBL’s next phase of growth as a pan-regional basketball platform.”
Joe Tsai, Co-Founder of Alibaba and Investor
“Collegiate basketball in Asia is ripe for transformation – and the AUBL has established a pan-regional model that positions it as a leader. Fans are ready to embrace college sports with the same energy that defines its success in the U.S. and Avenue Sports is excited to partner with the league at this important moment.”
Marc Lasry, Chairman, CEO and Co-Founder of Avenue Capital Group
“It’s exciting to be part of AUBL’s journey. There’s real opportunity in global youth and amateur sports. I’ve known Jay for many years, and I believe that under his leadership, this league will make a strong impact on the future of international basketball in Asia.”
David Blitzer, Co-Owner of the Philadelphia 76ers
“Getting rejected by an NCAA college remains one of the regrets of my playing career. With AUBL, I’m proud to be able to support the right platform for student athletes in Asia and also to be a diehard fan cheering for my Alma mater…SHANGHAI JIAO TONG UNIVERSITY FOR AUBL CHAMPIONS!”
Yao Ming, Former Chinese Basketball Association President and Investor
