![representation image: athletics [Photo by Nicolas Hoizey on Unsplash ]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/nicolas-hoizey-poa-Ycw1W8U-unsplash-1024x683.jpg)
Team Philippines will compete in 16 sports at the Third Asian Youth Games in Manama, Oct. 22–31, 2025, with boxer Leo Mhar Lobrido and volleyball standout Harlyn Serneche named as flag bearers.
![Why are 49ers items flying off the shelves? Strong branding, iconic designs and big-game exposure keep demand high. [photo credit: 49ers Instagram]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Screenshot_392.png)
49ers rank sixth in NFL merch demand, with 249,605 monthly searches
The San Francisco 49ers rank sixth among NFL teams in merchandise demand, averaging 249,605 monthly searches — 80.5% above the league average — a sign of strong brand pull that extends beyond the field.
BRAVE CF returns to China with BRAVE CF 98, spotlighting local MMA talent
BRAVE Combat Federation will return to China on September 19 with BRAVE CF 98 in Zhengzhou, showcasing the nation’s rich martial arts tradition and rising MMA stars.
Philippine-born De Vera and Mercado sign with Mumbai Cobras in Baseball United
Baseball United signed Filipinos Lord Aragorn De Vera and Efril Ian Mercado to the Mumbai Cobras, making them the first players born in the Philippines to join a professional baseball league and marking a milestone for Philippine baseball.
![President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at the FIVB Men’s World Championship opening. [PSC photo]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/DSC09562-1024x683.jpeg)
PSC donates 2,000 sports balls to mark President Marcos’ 68th birthday
The Philippine Sports Commission donated 2,000 sports balls to the Office of the President in celebration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s 68th birthday, supporting grassroots sports development.
![Kazuki Higa celebrates after clinching his second Shinhan Donghae Open title. [Asian Tour photo]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/unnamed153.jpg)
Kazuki Higa captures Shinhan Donghae Open for second career win
Japan’s Kazuki Higa held off Richard T. Lee and Scott Vincent to clinch the Shinhan Donghae Open title for the second time, finishing at 18-under in Korea.
BAL and Afreximbank expand partnership to empower African basketball and creatives
The Basketball Africa League and Afreximbank announce an expanded multi-year partnership to strengthen financial literacy, entrepreneurial skills, and career opportunities for African basketball players, coaches, and emerging professionals in the continent’s creative industries.
![Kazuki Higa during the third round of the Shinhan Donghae Open. [Asian Tour photo]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/unnamed152.jpg)
Kazuki Higa takes third-round lead at Shinhan Donghae Open
Japan’s Kazuki Higa shot a seven-under 65 to take the third-round lead at the Shinhan Donghae Open in Korea, with a host of Asian Tour stars in contention ahead of the final round.
President Marcos gets birthday gift as volleyball LOC cuts ticket prices for world championship
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. received a birthday gift from the FIVB Men’s World Championship Local Organizing Committee as ticket prices were cut in honor of his 68th birthday, giving Filipino fans wider access to the world-class volleyball event.
![Allegations of unauthorized perks for Kawhi Leonard have put the Clippers under the NBA microscope. [photo credit: Kawhi Leonard Instagram]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Screenshot_390.png)
‘Where there’s smoke, there’s fire’ – Kawhi Leonard Clippers scandal raises NBA integrity concerns
The Kawhi Leonard–Los Angeles Clippers scandal has drawn scrutiny from former NBA star Tim Hardaway, who warns that violations of league rules could threaten player reputations, team penalties, and the integrity of the NBA itself.