APEX’s 10th anniversary signifies growth and empowerment for the NBA’s AANHPI community

APEX hosting a networking event featuring Chinese-Canadian actor and stuntman Simu Liu as the guest speaker.

As the NBA celebrates Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, another milestone is being recognized across the league office: the 10th anniversary of AAPI Professional Exchange (APEX), the NBA’s Asian employee resource group.

What began as an effort to foster connection and representation has now grown into a thriving community of more than 200 members.

“When I first joined the NBA, there was an opportunity for the NBA to further invest in developing future AAPI leaders,” said Bryan Ju, one of APEX’s founding leaders. “It highlighted the need for the NBA to invest in developing future AAPI leaders.”

That realization became the foundation for APEX. In its earliest years, the group focused on creating opportunities for employees to connect and build relationships across the organization.

“We prioritized bringing people together so they could get to know their peers,” Ju said. “The idea was that if you found even one meaningful connection, you’d want to come back and continue building those relationships.”

A decade of change

Over the last decade, APEX has evolved far beyond networking events. The group now hosts professional development programs, cultural celebrations, volunteer initiatives, and collaborations across the sports industry that continue to shape employee experiences at the NBA.

For Ilene Tsao, a co-chair who has been involved with APEX since its founding, the group quickly became more than just an employee initiative.

“I already loved working here,” she said. “But this felt like an opportunity to make an even bigger impact and build a community that didn’t exist yet.”

Tsao said APEX gave employees the chance to form connections outside of their day-to-day responsibilities while embracing shared experiences and identities.

“You still had the NBA connecting you,” she said. “But now it’s also your heritage or your upbringing — things that are more personal and help connect you to others in the workplace.”

As the organization grew, so did its mission.

“In the beginning, it was really about building and encouraging participation,” Tsao said. “Now we’re in a space where we help influence and shape Asian representation and culture within sports.”

That evolution became especially important when there was a rise in anti-Asian hate during the COVID-19 pandemic. APEX shifted its focus toward advocacy, support, and employee safety.

“It became a lot about creating that safe space and providing the right resources for everyone to feel heard and supported,” Tsao said.

Ju said the organization adapted alongside the needs of its community.

“Early on, the focus was establishing a community and professional network,” he said. “Then, during the Stop Asian Hate movement, it became especially important for us to make employees feel secure.”

Expanding the network

Over the years, APEX has also expanded its reach beyond the NBA workplace. The group has partnered with organizations across the sports industry, hosted symposiums with other professional leagues and worked alongside nonprofits supporting Asian American youth.

One of its biggest milestones came in 2018 when APEX hosted its first cross-league symposium featuring representatives from the NBA, NFL, MLB, NHL and MLS.

“At that moment, I thought, ‘This is huge,’” Tsao said. “We’re highlighting the fact that there is a group of impactful leaders that are Asian within the sports industry that hadn’t been done before.”

Catherine Chao, who has worked for the NBA for nearly three years and became a co-chair last year, said APEX helps to foster a sense of warmth and belonging in the workplace.

She emphasized the importance of what she calls “levity moments” — opportunities for employees to gather, connect outside of work responsibilities.

“Levity moments in the workplace are really important,” she said. “Those are the moments that can make the work more enjoyable.”

Fostering an inclusive community

Whether through Lunar New Year celebrations, community events, mahjong tournaments or speaker sessions featuring Jeremy Lin, APEX has continued creating opportunities for employees to feel seen, welcomed, and connected.

“It’s not just about creating a safe space,” Chao said. “It’s about actively inviting people in.”

That sense of belonging is something Ju believes sports uniquely creates.

“Sports, now more than ever, have the power to bring people together,” he said. “It’s about shared values and camaraderie.”

As APEX looks toward its next decade, its leaders hope that momentum continues both within the organization and throughout the broader basketball community.

“I would love to see, 10 years from now, more Asians represented on the court and feeling a greater sense of belonging in the game,” Ju said.

For Tsao, the success of APEX is already evident in the community that has been built.

“If Bryan, Cat and I left tomorrow, it could continue on,” she said. “It’s become part of what’s ingrained here in the NBA.”