Sustainability and innovation in every stitch

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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.

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.

Team Rebel Sports has become a go-to name in sportswear, exporting high-performance products to Australia, Europe, the U.S., and beyond—made possible with the support of FedEx.

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.

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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.

Rebel founder Joel Cu

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.

Today, Team Rebel is a go-to name in sportswear, exporting high-performance products to Australia, Europe, the U.S. and beyond. “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.

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.”

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