Under Armour Unveils First UA NEXT Performance Lab in China
Under Armour today officially unveiled its first UA NEXT Performance Lab in China. Powered by UA Next Combine System, the space integrates data-driven testing and advance training to support athletes in optimizing human output. The UA NEXT Performance Lab represents a further milestone following the brand’s launch of its first smart sports community space in Guangzhou, as it continues to evolve in-store experiences and explore cutting-edge sports retail models.
Under Armour athlete and NFL player Justin Jefferson attended the launch event, joining brand leadership in officiating the opening and introducing the new UA Blur Pro football cleat. His visit underscores Under Armour’s ongoing commitment to flag football in China, as well as its long-term investment in supporting the growth of sports culture through structured training systems and the development of local athletic communities.
Data-Driven Hub for Advanced Athletic Training
Located on the basement level of Under Armour’s Huaihai Road flagship store in Shanghai, UA NEXT Performance Lab is a dedicated performance center designed for athletes, aiming to go beyond training. It delivers scientific assessment, technological support and expert coaching for athletes of all levels to optimize output.
Built around the UA Next Combine System, the lab features six core testing and training modules, including POWER, SPEED, JUMP, AGILITY, ENDURANCE and COGNITION. Rooted in established athletic testing protocols and informed by the physical demands of football, the UA Next Combine System is a standardized fitness testing benchmark for athletes eager to improve and strive for excellence. Through premium fitness testing conducted in lab, participants can build a personal athletic profile to identify strengths and areas for growth. Supported by guidance from Under Armour trainers and coaches, as well as multi-sport activities, events, and private training sessions, the lab translates performance insights into actionable training strategies, enabling progression from beginner to advanced levels.
During the event, Justin Jefferson also took part in the UA Next Combine challenge, engaged with local athletes, and invited flag football players and sports enthusiasts across China to unlock their full potential through structured training and consistent effort.
Cultivating Local Communities, Creating a Sports Social Hub
As China’s first UA NEXT Performance Lab, the space is designed not only to support professional training needs but also to serve as a platform for local sports communities. In the future, it will offer a range of structured programs, including specialized fitness sessions, flag football workshops, led by Under Armour professional coaches, guest athletes, and local influencers. It will serve as an inclusive platform for athletes of all levels to participate, learn, and connect.
From first-time flag football players to competitive enthusiasts, the UA NEXT Performance Lab aims to support long-term engagement in sport and help flag football take root and thrive in urban communities across China.
By reimagining retail through performance-driven experiences, Under Armour continues to enhance its offline network while building a dedicated sports community ecosystem for athletes in China. The UA NEXT Performance Lab will serve as a key future-facing retail and performance destination, continuing to connect, support, and inspire athletes nationwide.