NBA partners with TOA to launch the inaugural ‘NBA Rising Stars Invitational Thailand Qualifiers presented by TOA’ in Thailand, searching for young Thai representatives to compete for a ticket to the global basketball event in Singapore.
Bangkok, 14 Mar 2026 GMT+7 – The National Basketball Association (NBA) has joined forces with TOA Paint (Thailand) Public Company Limited (TOA), the leading paint, construction chemicals, and surface decoration materials company in Thailand and Southeast Asia, to announce a historic collaboration. The partnership aims to empower and inspire youth by launching the first-ever “NBA Rising Stars Invitational Thailand Qualifiers presented by TOA” in Thailand. This competition seeks outstanding male and female youth under 18 years old to represent Thailand at the NBA Rising Stars Invitational 2026 in Singapore this summer. The qualifiers will take place on Saturday and Sunday, 23-24 May, at the Chulalongkorn University Sports Complex.
The collaboration announcement featured Jatuphat Tangkarawakun, CEO of TOA Paint (Thailand) Public Company Limited, and Sheila Rasu, Head of Marketing for Asia and Southeast Asia at the NBA. The event also included Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA basketball clinics to teach fundamental skills to 80 boys and girls aged 9 to 12.
The “NBA Rising Stars Invitational Thailand Qualifiers presented by TOA” will feature eight high school teams competing—four boys’ teams and four girls’ teams—selected by the Basketball Sport Association of Thailand (BSAT) and the NBA. The competition will use a single-elimination format over two days to find one winning team per category to represent Thailand in Singapore. Additionally, the event will include social impact programming and a highlight appearance by NBA global basketball players, with official names to be announced prior to the event.
Jatuphat Tangkarawakun, CEO of TOA, said, “Beyond business, TOA firmly believes that ‘sports’ are a fundamental source of inspiration and strength for individuals and communities. For over 12 years, TOA has proudly been a key supporter of Thai basketball. We have continuously invested in developing youth athletes and promoting the sport nationwide. Under our vision ‘Inspire Better Living,’ we are committed to empowering the next generation, because we believe building a better future starts by providing opportunities.”
“This partnership between TOA and the NBA shares a genuine goal: to elevate young Thai basketball players to the global stage. This is a crucial opportunity for our young athletes to shine and showcase their talents to the world. We also thank TOA’s partners including Chulalongkorn University, Ramkhamhaeng Hospital, and Volt, the sportswear and equipment brand, for supporting this youth initiative.”
Sheila Rasu, Head of Marketing for Asia and Southeast Asia at the NBA, added, “The NBA Rising Stars Invitational Thailand Qualifiers presented by TOA is made possible through a shared vision with our partner TOA to develop Thai basketball. It offers local youth teams the chance to compete regionally. We are excited to welcome the winning Thai teams to Singapore to compete against top high school teams from across the Asia-Pacific.”
The NBA Rising Stars Invitational Thailand Qualifiers presented by TOA will be broadcast live on AIS PLAY by Mimo Tech Co., Ltd (AIS), the official NBA broadcast license holder in Thailand. Basketball fans can download the app from both the App Store and Google Play.
Sports fans can follow the latest NBA news and Thailand qualifiers updates at NBA.com, download the NBA App, and follow NBA’s TikTok. For more information on the NBA Rising Stars Invitational, visit www.nbarisingstarsinvitational.com or follow the NBA Rising Stars Invitational on Facebook and Instagram. #TOA #NBA #NBARisingStarsInvitational