In 2019, the Chinese Basketball Association launched the “Elite Program,” through which the first four players received support from Mr. Joe Tsai to study at U.S. boarding high schools. This initiative laid the foundation for what later became the Joe Tsai Basketball Scholarship.

In 2021, the Scholarship began operating independently and established a partnership with the Chinese Basketball Association. Its mission is to cultivate the next generation of Chinese basketball talent with both cultural literacy and a passion for the game, while also fostering meaningful sports and cultural exchanges between China and the world. Since its inception in 2019, the program has supported five cohorts, with a total of 28 student-athletes studying and playing basketball in the United States.

SCHOLARSHIP BENEFITS INCLUDE 、

• 4-year high school tuition

• Boarding expenses

• Other airfare and health insurance expense

ADDITIONAL SUPPORT

• English language skill training

• Cross-cultural adaptation guidance and leadership courses

• College application and career planning counseling

• Opportunities to interact with the Chinese National Basketball Team during summers

• Other basketball community engagements

Joe Tsai Basketball Scholarship aims to select up to 10 student-athletes each year

(up to 5 boys and 5 girls) to study at high schools in the US.

ELIGIBILITY

• PRC citizen (including permanent residents of Hong Kong and Macau Special Administrative Regions) who are formally enrolled students.

• Aged 13 - 15 (Applicants for the Class of 2026 must be born between September 1, 2010 and August 31, 2012.)

• Good academic performance and basic English proficiency.

  
  

• Passionate about basketball and have been receiving 2+ years’ systematic training and participated in middle school leagues, China Youth Basketball League competitions or other similar level tournaments.