Anime-Wrestling Brand Sukeban Teams With Japanese Telecom Giant NTT DoCoMo Studio & Live for Global Content Push
Sukeban, the live sports and entertainment brand that fuses Japanese female pro-wrestling with anime aesthetics, has inked a strategic partnership with NTT DoCoMo Studio & Live Inc. to accelerate its global expansion and content development initiatives.
The deal positions the wrestling-entertainment hybrid to leverage NDSL’s expertise in talent management, content distribution and IP development — including producing series for Netflix and Prime Video — as it seeks to bring its unique brand of sports entertainment to international audiences.
Sukeban’s original IP extends beyond traditional wrestling, blending manga, fashion, beauty and music elements to create a multimedia experience that aims to resonate with young, diverse audiences through live events, short-form content, merchandise and brand collaborations.
“We are truly excited to partner with Sukeban to deliver innovative content driven by bold, distinctive storytelling to audiences around the world,” said NDSL in a statement. “Sukeban is a treasure trove of pop culture, bringing together manga, anime, fashion, music, and beauty — all through the powerful lens of women’s professional wrestling. We look forward to what’s ahead.”
The partnership will enable Sukeban to expand its programming slate by developing new IP and content formats across multiple platforms, tapping into NDSL’s production capabilities and global distribution network.
“In NDSL, we have found the perfect partner. Together we will bring fans closer than ever to Sukeban’s wrestlers, the live action, and the drama and storylines wherever they may unfold,” Sukeban said. “NDSL is steeped in experience when it comes to producing award-winning content, developing talent, and leveraging its resources for growth, all while preserving the uniqueness of what makes a brand special.”
Operating across Japan and the U.S., Sukeban has positioned itself at the intersection of Japan’s rich women’s wrestling tradition and contemporary pop culture. The brand draws inspiration from legendary wrestlers like Bull Nakano, the Crush Gals, the Beauty Pair and Dump Matsumoto, who transcended the ring to become cultural icons influencing fashion, toys, anime and music.
Sukeban’s league features top-tier Japanese wrestlers competing as members of rival gangs with distinct identities and subcultures from across Tokyo, all vying for the Sukeban World Championship. Bull Nakano serves as the league’s commissioner.
NDSL represents a joint venture between NTT DoCoMo, Inc., Japan’s leading telecom provider, and Yoshimoto Kogyo Holdings Co., Ltd., the country’s preeminent talent agency. The company focuses on creating, discovering and supporting both Japanese and global content for worldwide distribution, working with creators and artists across the content lifecycle from planning and production to distribution and sales.
The partnership comes as Sukeban prepares to host its next Championship Title Fight on July 5 in Los Angeles at Anime Expo 2025. As revealed by Variety, the brand has also recently partnered with TikTok to create an immersive fan experience at the convention.
The deal positions the wrestling-entertainment hybrid to leverage NDSL’s expertise in talent management, content distribution and IP development — including producing series for Netflix and Prime Video — as it seeks to bring its unique brand of sports entertainment to international audiences.
Sukeban’s original IP extends beyond traditional wrestling, blending manga, fashion, beauty and music elements to create a multimedia experience that aims to resonate with young, diverse audiences through live events, short-form content, merchandise and brand collaborations.
“We are truly excited to partner with Sukeban to deliver innovative content driven by bold, distinctive storytelling to audiences around the world,” said NDSL in a statement. “Sukeban is a treasure trove of pop culture, bringing together manga, anime, fashion, music, and beauty — all through the powerful lens of women’s professional wrestling. We look forward to what’s ahead.”
The partnership will enable Sukeban to expand its programming slate by developing new IP and content formats across multiple platforms, tapping into NDSL’s production capabilities and global distribution network.
“In NDSL, we have found the perfect partner. Together we will bring fans closer than ever to Sukeban’s wrestlers, the live action, and the drama and storylines wherever they may unfold,” Sukeban said. “NDSL is steeped in experience when it comes to producing award-winning content, developing talent, and leveraging its resources for growth, all while preserving the uniqueness of what makes a brand special.”
Operating across Japan and the U.S., Sukeban has positioned itself at the intersection of Japan’s rich women’s wrestling tradition and contemporary pop culture. The brand draws inspiration from legendary wrestlers like Bull Nakano, the Crush Gals, the Beauty Pair and Dump Matsumoto, who transcended the ring to become cultural icons influencing fashion, toys, anime and music.
Sukeban’s league features top-tier Japanese wrestlers competing as members of rival gangs with distinct identities and subcultures from across Tokyo, all vying for the Sukeban World Championship. Bull Nakano serves as the league’s commissioner.
NDSL represents a joint venture between NTT DoCoMo, Inc., Japan’s leading telecom provider, and Yoshimoto Kogyo Holdings Co., Ltd., the country’s preeminent talent agency. The company focuses on creating, discovering and supporting both Japanese and global content for worldwide distribution, working with creators and artists across the content lifecycle from planning and production to distribution and sales.
The partnership comes as Sukeban prepares to host its next Championship Title Fight on July 5 in Los Angeles at Anime Expo 2025. As revealed by Variety, the brand has also recently partnered with TikTok to create an immersive fan experience at the convention.