UST, San Beda banner PH cast in inaugural NSAC World Invitational

Four of the Philippines' top collegiate basketball programs will test themselves against international competition when the inaugural NSAC World Invitational takes center stage from August 14 to 16, 2026.

Organized by Asiabasket in partnership with the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP), the three-day tournament aims to give Filipino student-athletes valuable international exposure while strengthening ties among collegiate basketball programs across the Asia-Pacific region.

Representing the Philippines are the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers, San Beda University Red Lions, Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers, and Far Eastern University Tamaraws.

Joining them are Japan's Fighting Eagles Nagoya and Tenri University, Australia's Elite Stacks AUS, and Taiwan's National Formosa University.

Asiabasket founder and chief executive officer Jai Reyes said the tournament is part of the organization's commitment to elevating Philippine collegiate basketball on the international stage.

"The NSAC World Invitational is a reflection of our vision to elevate Philippine collegiate basketball beyond our borders," said Reyes, who also serves as UAAP basketball commissioner.

"We want to provide our student-athletes with the opportunity to compete against quality international programs while showcasing the talent, passion, and competitiveness of Philippine basketball on a larger stage."

Reyes also thanked the PSC and SBP for supporting the initiative.

"We are truly grateful to the PSC and SBP for believing in this vision and partnering with us for the NSAC World Invitational," he said.

"Together, we're creating more opportunities for Filipino student-athletes to compete internationally while continuing to raise the standard of collegiate basketball in the Philippines."

The eight-team tournament will use a knockout format with classification games, ensuring every team plays three games. The quarterfinals are scheduled for August 14, followed by the semifinals and classification matches on August 15 before the championship and final placement games conclude the tournament on August 16.

Aside from crowning a champion, the NSAC World Invitational aims to strengthen basketball relationships across the Asia-Pacific region while giving Filipino fans the opportunity to watch international collegiate teams compete on local soil.

The tournament also serves as an extension of Asiabasket's National Student Athletes Championship, further expanding competitive opportunities for student-athletes and promoting Philippine collegiate basketball internationally.