The Caster Global Sports Inc. Journey

Some of the most inspiring business stories begin at home. For Caster Global Sports Inc., the journey started with a small tailoring business in Metro Manila and grew into an international custom sportswear brand trusted by athletes and teams around the world.

At the heart of this story is family. Founded in the early 1980s by master tailor Carlito Atienza, Caster Sportswear was built on craftsmanship, discipline, and a simple goal to provide affordable yet high-quality customizable sportswear. What began as a local operation soon earned the trust of major banks, universities, and corporate clients who valued precision and reliability.

Decades later, the same values continue to guide the company, now under the leadership of the second generation.

A Family Legacy That Adapted With the Times

For many years, Caster thrived in the local market. The turning point came when Carlito’s son, Butch Atienza, vice president of Caster Global Sports, brought in a global perspective shaped by his experience working in a multinational company.

Butch recognized that the same personalized sportswear Filipino clients loved could appeal to customers overseas. The challenge was not demand but logistics. Expanding beyond the Philippines required reliable systems that could support international shipping without overwhelming a growing business.

Butch found that solution early on through FedEx.

“We began shipping with FedEx in the early 2000s after finding the promotional box rates really attractive,” Butch shares. “Back then,we were sending five to nine packages a week, until a FedEx representative noticed our volume and visited us to open an account.”

That partnership helped open doors to global markets and gave Caster the confidence to grow beyond borders.

Bringing Filipino Craftsmanship to the World

With reliable logistics in place, Caster Global Sports was able to test foreign markets without overextending resources. Shipments to the United States now take two to five days, allowing faster feedback between customers and the production team.

What truly sets Caster apart is not speed alone. In a crowded sportswear market, the brand leans into craftsmanship and customization. Instead of focusing only on basic sublimated designs, Caster offers embroidery, tailored fits, and custom recreations. Customers can even send a photo and receive bespoke sportswear made to order.

This attention to detail resonates strongly with clients in the United States and Europe who value uniqueness over mass-produced designs.

Building Trust Through Process and Transparency

Behind every finished piece is a disciplined production process. Each order begins with a detailed specifications sheet and a sample before full production. This approach minimizes errors and helps maintain consistent quality.

Caster has also invested in modern equipment such as full-body printers and advanced embroidery machines to improve efficiency and consistency. Lead times remain manageable, with two to three weeks for smaller orders and three to six weeks for larger runs.

When issues arise, the company communicates clearly with clients about costs and options. This transparency has built trust and turned many first-time buyers into long-term partners.

Scaling a manufacturing business comes with challenges. Managing cash flow, balancing custom work with higher volume orders, and maintaining quality all require careful planning. For Caster, documenting workflows and choosing partners that can scale alongside the business have been key decisions.

Looking Ahead With Purpose

Caster Global Sports is now exploring new opportunities, including international franchising and partnerships. Interest has come from Australia, Malaysia, the United States, and Switzerland. Locally, the company is also in discussions around sponsorships and collaborations with larger sports organizations, including the Philippine Basketball Association.

For Filipino entrepreneurs and parents building businesses of their own, Butch offers grounded advice. Focus on product quality. Invest in customer service. Build partnerships that remove barriers to growth.

“Shipping reliably was a game changer for us,” he says, explaining how logistics confidence made international expansion possible without compromising service.

From Carlito Atienza’s tailoring shop in the 1980s to a globally connected brand today, Caster Global Sports Inc. shows how Filipino craftsmanship, family values, and thoughtful partnerships can create lasting success. As the company looks ahead to 2026 and beyond, its story continues to unfold with the same care and vision that started it all.

Discover more inspiring stories from entrepreneurs across the Asia Pacific on FedEx Business Insights.