Asia Cup 2025 – Everything You Need to Know

Excitement is building for the 2025 Asia Cup, the biggest basketball showdown in the region. If you’re in the UK and want to keep up, you’ve come to the right spot. Below we break down the basics, the schedule, and the best ways to catch the action live.

When and Where Does It Happen?

The tournament kicks off on July 12, 2025 and runs until July 30. Four host cities share the spotlight: Manila, Bangkok, Seoul, and Dubai. Each city hosts a handful of group‑stage games before the knockout rounds move to the main arena in Manila for the semifinals and final.

Group A plays most of its matches in Manila, while Group B splits time between Bangkok and Seoul. The final showdown lands in Manila’s Philippine Arena, giving fans a massive venue to soak up the climax.

Who’s Playing and What’s at Stake?

Fourteen national teams have earned spots through regional qualifiers. Powerhouses like China, Australia, Iran, and the Philippines are back, but watch out for dark horses – Japan’s fast‑paced squad and Jordan’s gritty defense could pull off upsets.

Beyond the trophy, the top three finishers lock in berths for the 2026 FIBA World Cup. That means every win matters, and the intensity will be high from the first tip‑off.

For UK fans, the tournament offers a chance to see future NBA talent. Players like Zhou Qi and Jordan’s Hamza Al‑Tahan are on NBA radar, so you’ll get a glimpse of the next generation early.

Now, let’s talk about how you can watch the games without missing a beat.

How to Watch From the UK

Most games will be streamed live on the official FIBA YouTube channel with English commentary. The final will also air on Sky Sports Box Office as a pay‑per‑view event. If you have a VPN, you can hop onto the Asian broadcasters’ streams – for example, China’s CCTV5 and Australia’s Kayo Sports.

For those who prefer a traditional TV setup, the BBC’s sports channel will highlight key matches each week, usually the semifinals and the final. Subscribe to their iPlayer service for on‑demand replays if you miss the live broadcast.

Social media is another handy tool. Follow the hashtag #AsiaCup2025 on Twitter and Instagram for live scores, highlight clips, and behind‑the‑scenes content. The FIBA app also sends push notifications for game start times and score updates.

Finally, if you’re looking to chat with fellow UK fans, join the Rebels Basketball Discord or the dedicated Facebook group. It’s a great place to share reactions, debate lineups, and even arrange virtual watch parties.

That’s the quick rundown on Asia Cup 2025. The tournament promises high‑flying action, surprise upsets, and a clear path to the 2026 World Cup. Mark your calendar, set up your streaming, and get ready to cheer on the best teams in Asia – all from the comfort of your UK couch.