Team Rebel Sports: Empowering Filipino Innovation in Global Sportswear

Not all rebels are troublemakers; some are visionaries with the courage to pursue bold dreams. This kind of spirit sparked the creation of Team Rebel Sports, a homegrown brand from the Philippines that has made its mark in customized sportswear for fans and athletes alike, both locally and abroad.

Stepping into the competitive arena of sports apparel requires more than ambition — it calls for a resolute fighting spirit. When the brand introduced sublimated jerseys to the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) in the early 2000s, it marked a turning point, not just for the company, but for the entire sports apparel industry in the country. For the first time, a local manufacturer was creating high-quality, customized uniforms that adhered to professional sports standards. Behind this was a vision: to make world-class sportswear in the Philippines and introduce it to the world.

This pioneering spirit has defined Team Rebel Sports since its founding in 1998. From a small workshop in Cubao, founder Joel Cu transformed the business into a trusted supplier of custom uniforms for American football, lacrosse, basketball, and more. His journey reflects the resilience and innovation of a brand that consistently meets the challenges of an evolving industry.

Seeking a trusted service provider for global expansion

Today, Team Rebel is a go-to name in sportswear, exporting high-performance products to Australia, Europe, the U.S. and beyond — all with the support of FedEx.

“The local sports industry is very competitive. Hence, it made sense for us to expand our reach beyond the domestic market and tap into international opportunities,” Cu shared. “By collaborating with Fedex, we were able to streamline our logistics and enhance our global presence by focusing on what we do best – produce high-quality and innovative sports apparel and gear for our discerning customers.”

Their first international order was worth $15, but it laid the foundation for a lasting relationship with FedEx at every stage of growth. Cu leveraged FedEx’s cross-border expertise to penetrate international markets with their customized jerseys for multiple sports categories, including wrestling and hockey.

As Team Rebel’s business grew, so did the logistical demands. Its shipments gradually increased from 5 kilos to 100 kilos, and ultimately reached 40 tons of jerseys which are now delivered around the world every year. FedEx plays an indispensable role in meeting the demands of international customers for timely delivery and quality service, which were essential to building trust and brand loyalty.

“We needed to expand and speed up shipping while at the same time navigate customs regulations and international shipping requirements which is daunting for a growing brand with limited resources,” Cu said. “FedEx provided tailored shipping solutions that simplified the complexities of international logistics. Their dedicated team offered valuable insights into customs clearance processes, helping us navigate regulatory requirements smoothly. This support minimized potential delays and ensured compliance with international shipping standards. Their team is also consistently present, ready to ship our products at any time. It made us feel that we were fully taken care of.”

Leadership that empowers a growing team

Serving a global client demands a robust workforce. Team Rebel Sports has over 200 dedicated individuals working seamlessly to meet each client’s specific requirements. This means producing high-quality apparel while also meeting tight deadlines. For Cu, leadership means fostering an environment for every team member to grow.

“To be a good leader, you need to motivate, encourage, and strengthen your team. That’s why we’re developing leaders within each department by teaching them how to manage people effectively, respectfully, while overseeing operations with high efficiency,” said Cu.

Sustainability and innovation in every stitch

Cu considers Team Rebel’s introduction of sublimated PBA jerseys a milestone.

Sublimation printing, which has since become the industry standard, involves heating inks into gas to meld with the fabric. Since the process integrates the design into the material, rather than just on the surface, the design quality lasts for years, and the fabric remains durable, breathable, and lightweight.

Committed to quality and sustainability, Team Rebel also incorporates recyclable fabrics, including polyester from PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) bottles, into their production. This approach has helped the brand stand out in international markets such as those in Europe that put a premium on sustainable manufacturing practices. “We’re very proud to be contributing our efforts in protecting the environment through the use of recycled materials in our products. Sustainability is an integral part of our brand,” Cu said.

Entrepreneurial wisdom and the road ahead

Drawing from his own journey, Cu advises fellow entrepreneurs: “Be patient. Running a business is like running a marathon. Stay focused, know your business and your customers, invest in people, and seek guidance from God.”

Cu’s next venture is an online fan store where creators can design and sell merchandise, with Team Rebel handling production and FedEx managing global logistics. “Imagine a famous rapper creating a fan store for custom gear, without needing inventory or cash outlay,” Cu explained. “Our goal is to empower such creators by fulfilling their orders and shipping needs, with FedEx as our service provider to turn this vision into reality.”

With the support of FedEx, Team Rebel Sports not only overcame the logistical challenges of international expansion but also positioned itself as a competitive player in the global sports apparel market. Their success exemplifies how strategic collaborations can empower homegrown brands to achieve their aspirations, proving that with the right tools and support, they can line up the perfect shot.

Discover more inspiring stories from entrepreneurs across Asia Pacific and how FedEx supports SMEs at FedEx Business Insights.