UP Gears Up for Asian Challenge in AUBL

Fresh off a runner-up finish in UAAP Season 87 Men’s Basketball, the University of the Philippines is preparing to test its skills on the regional stage ahead of Season 89.

The Fighting Maroons will lead the Philippine contingent at the 2026 Asian University Basketball League (AUBL), scheduled from August 2 to 9 at Binjiang Gymnasium in Hangzhou, China. The tournament will bring together 12 of the Asia-Pacific region’s top collegiate programs for the second edition of the event.

UP’s participation in the AUBL follows the Filoil Preseason Cup, which wraps up on July 25, providing the Diliman-based squad with a condensed but highly competitive buildup heading into the new UAAP season. This appearance continues UP’s international exposure, following its participation in the now-defunct World University Basketball Series.

In Hangzhou, the Fighting Maroons will face a stacked field of established university programs. Japan sends Hakuoh University, a three-time JUBF All-Japan University champion, and the storied Waseda University. South Korea will be represented by traditional rivals Korea University and Yonsei University, both pillars of collegiate basketball in their country.

Chinese Taipei’s National Chengchi University enters as defending AUBL champion, while Mongolia’s National University of Mongolia represents a rising program in the region. Host China will feature a powerhouse lineup including Peking University, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, and perennial contender Tsinghua University, last year’s tournament runner-up. The Chinese University of Hong Kong, fresh off ending a 33-year domestic title drought, also joins the field.

Australia makes its AUBL debut with the University of Sydney, further expanding the tournament’s international footprint.

The 2026 edition of the AUBL also marks the start of a new chapter for the league, with plans to transition to a home-and-away format later this year.

“Across Asia, this is what university basketball is all about — connecting fans with the game, challenging student-athletes against elite competition, and celebrating the pride and tradition unique to collegiate sports,” said AUBL Senior Vice President for Basketball Operations Greg Stolt.

In last year’s tightly contested inaugural edition, National Chengchi University captured the championship by narrowly defeating Tsinghua University, 82-79.