Joe Tsai Family Office Investment Backs Asia Basketball League Growth

Joe Tsai family office investment through Blue Pool Capital has led a Series A funding round in the Asian University Basketball League, as investors bet on the rapid growth of basketball across Asia.

The family office-backed investor was joined by Avenue Capital Group, Nan Fung Group, HSG, Bolt Ventures and former Chinese Basketball Association chief Yao Ming, marking his first investment in an emerging sports league.

The AUBL said its inaugural tournament in Hangzhou attracted more than 65 million livestream views and over 29,000 spectators.

The new funding will support the 2026 Hangzhou tournament and plans to launch a 16-team home-and-away format across major Asian cities from late 2026, including teams from the Philippines and Australia.