Tokyo – Rakuten Sports, a Rakuten Group service focused on creating partnerships built on shared values with professional sports teams, athletes, brands and rights-holders around the world, today announced that Sun Chlorella’s World University Basketball Series 2023 (WUBS 2023), a champions league-style tournament for world-class university basketball teams, will be live streamed at leading Filipino cinema chain SM Cinema.
SM Cinema will host live viewing parties of the Ateneo Blue Eagles’ WUBS 2023 matches in 12 prime locations across the Philippines, featuring a total of 21 screens. This initiative marks the first time SM Cinema is screening live basketball, and they are proud to partner with Rakuten Sports to bring WUBS to an even greater audience. Tickets for the live viewing parties are now available for purchase on SM Cinema’s official website.
WUBS’ vision is to empower the next generation of basketball talent by giving collegiate players and teams a platform to showcase their skills on an international stage. This year’s championship is hosted by the All Japan University Basketball Federation (JUBF), with the operation support of Rakuten Sports, a Rakuten Group business committed to forging partnerships with professional
athletes and other sports services. Held again with presenting partner Sun Chlorella, this year’s tournament marks the second in the series following last year’s inaugural WUBS. From August 10 to 13, the Yoyogi National Stadium Second Gymnasium will come alive as eight men’s university basketball teams from seven countries and regions – Australia, Chinese Taipei, Indonesia, Japan, the Philippines, South Korea, and the United States – gather to compete in this championship.
This year’s competition will feature WUBS 2022 champions Ateneo de Manila University from the Philippines. Local fans of Ateneo de Manila University’s team will be able to enjoy front-row action unfold live on the silver screen, all from the convenience of their preferred SM Cinema location. SM Cinema’s state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge technology promise a larger-than-life experience, ensuring every dribble, every pass, and every dunk can be seen with clarity and excitement.
To celebrate this partnership, SM Cinema and Rakuten Sports are offering a limited-time promotion. The first 100 fans at WUBS 2023 live viewing parties will enjoy a one-time special discount of 20% off their ticket prices at SM Cinema. Going forward, Rakuten Sports and SM Cinema remain committed to delivering exceptional experiences to basketball fans throughout the Philippines.