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| MNL48, AKB48 Team SH and Team TP Set for New Identities in 2026 (Photo: Facebook) |
Big news is coming from the AKB48 global family. Superball, the agency overseeing several overseas sister groups, has officially confirmed that MNL48, AKB48 Team SH, and AKB48 Team TP will all change their group names starting in January 2026.
The announcement was delivered through official company statements and quickly caught the attention of fans across Asia and beyond.
While the new names have not yet been revealed, management confirmed that they are currently being finalised and will be shared through official websites and social media channels once decisions are complete.
According to Superball, the move is part of a wider strategy to help the international sister groups step confidently into a new phase of growth.
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Despite the rebrand, all three groups will remain part of the wider AKB family, keeping their roots while developing stronger, more localised identities for their respective markets.
AKB48 Team SH also shared a special message with fans in China, describing the planned name change as the start of a fresh journey.
In April 2025: Superball registered the TSH48 domain name, sparking speculation about a potential new girl group or upcoming name changes.
Management expressed gratitude for years of loyal support and encouraged fans to look forward to a renewed vision that reflects both the group’s history and its future ambitions.
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MNL48 separately confirmed that not only will the group’s name change in January 2026, but its operating company will also adopt a new name at the same time.
In an official statement, the group reassured fans that while branding will evolve, the spirit of MNL48 and the commitment of its members will remain exactly the same. More details about future plans and the new identity are expected to be announced in the coming months.
OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT pic.twitter.com/1ZiNR4Eft7
— MNL48 (@mnl48official) December 29, 2025
The announcement has sparked mixed but passionate reactions from fans, ranging from curiosity to excitement.
Many supporters see the rebrand as a chance for each group to expand creatively, reach wider audiences, and adapt to the changing entertainment landscape without losing what makes them special.
Behind the scenes, fans and observers believe the upcoming name changes may be driven by a mix of regional considerations and long-term branding strategy. With shifting political climates in some countries, simplifying or localising group identities could help reduce unnecessary complications while making each act feel more independent and market-friendly.
For AKB48 Team SH and Team TP, their current names are seen as lengthy and tightly tied to the main AKB48 brand, prompting speculation that more streamlined options like Shanghai48/TSH48 or Taipei48/TPI48 could boost local appeal, similar to how JKT48 and BNK48 have thrived without the full AKB48 prefix.
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| TPI48.com domain name |
In China, a fresh name for Team SH could also help avoid lingering confusion linked to past associations, while for MNL48, fans suggest a possible shift to “Team MNL” might better align with existing Japan-based projects and signal a cleaner, more flexible identity.
Others see the rebrand as a symbolic reset after years of uneven activity, management hurdles, and rising operational costs, hinting at renewed focus, investment, and direction under Superball’s wider international strategy.
Fans are being encouraged to stay patient, follow official updates, and continue supporting the groups positively. With 2026 shaping up to be a defining year, one question remains: what kind of new identities will these beloved groups unveil next?