Helena Frye
Basketball is one of the most popular sports in Asia, with a massive following in countries like the Philippines, China, Taiwan, and Singapore. The sport was introduced to the Philippines and China through American colonisation and Christian missionary activities, and has since become an integral part of the region's culture and community. The Philippines Basketball Association (PBA), founded in 1975, was Asia's first professional basketball league and is now the second-oldest continuously running league globally. In China, basketball has evolved from its humble beginnings in the late 1890s to become a national obsession, with over 500 million enthusiasts today. The sport's popularity in Asia is further evidenced by the success of Asian women's national basketball teams from China, South Korea, and Japan in international competitions, including Olympic medals and FIBA Women's World Cup finals appearances.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of fans in Asia | Over 500 million |
| Major contending nations | China, Japan, Philippines, Iran, South Korea, and Taiwan |
| Popularity in the Philippines | Most popular sport with around 75% of fans |
| Popularity in China | 4th most popular sport overall, most popular among youth |
| Popularity in Taiwan | Top favorite sport among males |
| Popularity in Singapore | Top 5 popular sports |
| Main tournament | FIBA Asia Champions Cup |
| Number of NBA jersey-badge partnerships in Asia | 2 (Rakuten and Rakuten AIP) |
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What You'll Learn
Popularity of basketball in the Philippines
Basketball is the most popular sport in the Philippines, with the game being played at all levels, from amateur to professional. The sport was introduced to the country during the American colonial period, with the first American teachers teaching basketball alongside baseball through the YMCA and the school system. The first men's national team was organised in the 1910s and won the first Far Eastern Championship Games in 1913. The Philippines became a member of FIBA through the Basketball Association of the Philippines in 1936 and made their Olympic debut the same year, finishing fifth—the best result of any Asian team in Olympic basketball history. The Philippines also has the best finish in the FIBA World Cup from teams outside the Americas and Europe, winning bronze in the 1954 FIBA World Championship. The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), founded in 1975, was the first professional basketball league in Asia and is now the world's second-oldest continuously existing league after the NBA. A 2019 survey by Rakuten AIP found that three-quarters of respondents in the Philippines were basketball fans, with the Golden State Warriors being the most popular team.
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Popularity of basketball in China
Basketball is extremely popular in China, with around 300 million people playing the sport. It was introduced to the country in the late 1890s, not long after its invention, by a government official named Piengiane. It quickly gained support and became a national pastime in 1935. The sport was also endorsed by the first prime minister of the People's Republic of China, Chou En Lai, who encouraged it for its contribution to fitness and promotion of teamwork.
The NBA has seen a surge in popularity in China, with players like Yao Ming, Jeremy Lin, Yi Jianlian, and Kobe Bryant becoming household names. The NBA games being televised in China was due to the efforts of David Stern, who signed a deal with the Chinese state and gave broadcasting rights to China Central Television (CCTV) for free. The league also saw a massive spike in television ratings, with a total viewership of 200 million viewers when Yao Ming and Yi Jianlian played in 2007.
The sport's popularity in China is also evident through its success in international competitions. China has dominated the FIBA Asia Championship since the 1970s, and the women's team brought home a bronze medal from the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles.
Basketball's popularity in China is so significant that it has become part of the country's culture. It has also influenced the identities of its people, as depicted in Lauren Yee's play, "The Great Leap," which centers around a friendship game between Beijing University and the University of San Francisco's men's basketball teams.
In terms of popularity among other sports in China, basketball ranks fourth behind badminton, table tennis, and swimming.
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Popularity of basketball in Taiwan
Basketball is one of the most popular sports in Taiwan, especially among the younger generation. The sport was introduced to the region through American colonisation and Christian missionary activities. Today, basketball is a top favourite in Taiwan, alongside badminton.
Taiwan's dominance in international baseball has made baseball the national sport, but basketball is a close second. The Chinese Taipei Basketball Association (CTBA) was founded in 1954 as a non-governmental organisation that works closely with the government to regulate the basketball industry in Taiwan. The CTBA founded a semi-professional basketball league, the Super Basketball League (SBL), in 2003. However, the SBL has struggled to attract fans to games and viewers on television. In 2022, the second professional basketball league, the P. LEAGUE+ (Plus League), was founded, followed by the T1 League, the third professional basketball league, in 2023. These new leagues have sparked competition and pushed the basketball industry in Taiwan to new heights.
The popularity of basketball in Taiwan is driven in part by successful Taiwanese players such as Jeremy Lin, who have had successful careers in the NBA and continue to hold training camps in Taiwan. Elementary and middle school children can recognise the biggest NBA stars, and basketball is often played in high schools and colleges. The high school basketball tournament is run by the Ministry of Education, and games are free to attend. The high school championship games bring in around 13,000 fans to Taipei Arena, whereas the SBL struggles to sell tickets and only sold 3,000 for a playoff game in the same arena.
As a spectator sport, the NBA has eclipsed all other professional sports as the most popular in Taiwan. The NBA has seen incredible growth in Asia, and basketball is now a global game. The Golden State Warriors are a particularly popular team in Asia, with a quarter of respondents in a survey by Rakuten AIP choosing them as their favourite team.
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Popularity of basketball in Singapore
Basketball is one of the most popular sports in Asia, with the NBA seeing incredible growth in the region. China, the Philippines, Singapore, and Taiwan are key markets for the league. In the Philippines, basketball is by far the most popular sport, with around three-quarters of those surveyed by Rakuten AIP identifying as fans. The Philippines Basketball Association (PBA), founded in 1975, was Asia's first professional basketball league and is now the world's second-oldest continuously running league.
In Singapore, basketball is also popular, with the sport ranking within the top 5 most-played sports in the country. While football is the most popular sport in the country, basketball is quickly becoming a close second, with more Singaporeans taking up the sport and participating in local leagues and tournaments. The success of the Singapore Slingers, the country's only professional basketball team, has contributed to the sport's growing popularity. The Slingers have consistently performed well since their inception in 2009, reaching the league finals four times and winning the championship in the 2015-2016 season.
The Basketball Association of Singapore (BAS) has played a crucial role in promoting and developing basketball in the country by organizing leagues and tournaments for players of all ages and skill levels. Grassroots initiatives like the ActiveSG Basketball Academy have helped nurture young talent and fostered a passion for the sport. Additionally, the accessibility of public basketball courts located throughout the country has made it convenient for Singaporeans to play and practice, further contributing to the sport's popularity.
Looking forward, the Basketball Association of Singapore aims to increase youth participation, develop talent to represent the country internationally, and expand basketball infrastructure and facilities. With continued investment and support, basketball has the potential to become one of Singapore's most popular sports.
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History of basketball in Asia
Basketball is a popular sport in Asia, with a long history on the continent. The sport has been a regular fixture at the Asian Games , the continent's most prestigious sporting event after the Olympic Games, since the Games' inception in 1951. The Asian Games tournaments served as the de facto Asian championships until the Asian Basketball Confederation Championship was founded in 1960.
India has a long history with the sport, with Gulam Abbas Moontasir, born in 1942, playing at various levels, from school to college, and finally debuting internationally in a match against Australia in 1960. He also captained the Indian basketball team during the 1969 and 1975 Asian Basketball Championships in Bangkok and was part of the Indian team that competed in the 1970 Asian Games in Bangkok. The Basketball Federation of India (BFI) now governs the sport in the country, promoting and developing basketball across levels by organising tournaments in schools and colleges. India's best performance at the FIBA Asia tournament was in 2007, and the country's women's team currently stands at 40th position out of 73 playing nations.
China is also a basketball-loving country, with the sport being the most popular school sport and the most popular sport among Chinese youth. The country's national basketball squad is considered the best in Asia, known for its aggressive play and rowdy fights with opponents. China's professional league, the Chinese Basketball Association, has 17 teams, and basketball courts can be found in villages and urban areas alike. The country's passion for the sport is evident, with many believing that China will be one of the top four teams in the world in about ten years.
The popularity of basketball in Asia is also reflected in the success of Asian players on the global stage. Jeremy Lin, the Taiwanese-American point guard for the New York Knicks, rose to fame with his electrifying play, captivating both the Asian and American publics. Satnam Singh Bhamara, born in Punjab, India, became the first Indian player to be selected for the NBA by the Dallas Mavericks in 2015.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, basketball is popular in Asia.
Basketball is the most popular sport in the Philippines, with roughly three-quarters of those surveyed saying they are basketball fans.
The FIBA Asia Champions Cup, held since 1981.
China, South Korea, and Japan.
Basketball's smaller footprint and minimal equipment needs—just hoops, balls, and asphalt—made it easy for schools and community centers to build courts. The game also gained a deep cultural embrace, corporate backing, and innovative formats.
