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| (Image Source: ONESports.ph/Women’s Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) |
The Women’s Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (WMPBL) CEO Manny Pacquiao encouraged women to take center stage during the opening ceremonies of the historic women’s professional basketball league held last January 19, 2025 at the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Quadricentennial Pavilion. Speaking to all the 14 participating teams of the inaugural invitational tournament, Pacquiao underscored the impact of the new league which is the women’s counterpart of Pacquiao’s own MPBL.Expected to give a platform for women’s basketball players from across the Philippines, the eight-division Filipino boxing world champion said that it wasn’t just about holding the games, but rather bringing women’s basketball to the spotlight in the Philippines.
“Today, we are making history as we officially launch the Women’s Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League o WMPBL. This is not just a league, it is a revolution. A revolution that brings women’s basketball to the forefront. Celebrating the incredible talent, passion, and dedication of Filipina athletes across the nation, today, we say to every Filipina athlete: It is your time to shine," said Pacquiao. Pacquiao’s speech drew cheers from the crowd — especially from the teams themselves who are counting on the WMPBL to be the answer to their prayers: a pathway for women’s basketball after college and the national team. Though showing a lot of promise in recent years, women’s basketball players haven’t had the right channels to bring their talents once they leave the UAAP or the NCAA. With more opportunities now to continue to pursue the sport that they love, Pacquiao also urged them to think about what else they could achieve, and allowed them to dream of what else they wanted to do. “As we kick off this historic journey, I invite everyone to imagine the limitless possibilities that the WMPBL represents. This league is more than a competition. It is a platform for empowerment and a celebration of excellence from Filipinas who dare to dream big,” said Pacquiao.
But more than dreaming, the boxer-turned-senator said that it was important also for the players to fight for their space — much like in the WMPBL where they are also advocated for by WMPBL Commissioner Haydee Ong. “Ito ang Liga para sa bawa't Pilipinang nangangarap at lumaban,” said Pacquiao. A total of 14 teams will vie for the crown in the inaugural invitational which serves as a prelude to the first season of the WMPBL which is expected to kick off later this year. At the moment, the invitational is still on the amateur level, as they also encouraged collegiate teams to compete — including Ong’s own UST Growling Tigresses. But once the ball gets rolling as a professional league, it will then require players who are already eligible for the pros — that is, 18 and above. Following the opening ceremonies which was highlighted by a players’ parade and performances by the UST Salinggawi Dance Troupe and the UST Yellow Jackets, the league's inaugural invitational kicked off with a triple header featuring UST against Discovery Perlas, the PSP Gymers facing off against the Imus Lady Magdalo, and the Cavite TOL Patriots taking on New Zealand Blu Fire Valkyries.
With the tagline “Ito Ang Liga Ng Bawat Filipina”, WMPBL aims to establish a platform that nurtures and showcases local talent featuring 14 teams comprised of college squads, clubs, and city-based teams. “The foundation of this league is simple: to create a home for women’s basketball players here in our country. Our goal is ambitious, but we are optimistic that this will be the start of something beautiful for women’s basketball,” said WMPBL President John Kallos. The inaugural tournament, supported by Manny Pacquiao, Senator Francis Tolentino, and the MPBL Partylist, will feature two groups of teams. Group A will include Discovery Perlas, FEU Lady Tamaraws, CEU Lady Scorpions, Cavite Tol Patriots, PSP Gymers, Solar Home Suns, and the Pilipinas Navy Aguilas. Meanwhile, Group B will be composed of the UST Growling Tigresses, EZ Jersey Relentless, San Juan Lady Knights, New Zealand Bluefire Valkyries, Kalos PH-Philippine Navy Lady Sailors, and Galeries Tower Highrisers. The tournament format will feature a single round-robin eliminations. The top four teams from each group will advance to the quarterfinals where the top two seeds will enjoy a twice-to-beat advantage. The semifinals and finals will be played as best-of-three series. Games in this tournament supported by Uratex, Red Dynasty, Gotobox, Gerry’s Grill, Prettiest, Team Graphite, Evo Performance Helmets, Ryzen Helmets, Katinko, Dorayd Balls, Sogo Hotel, Bosny Paint, and Discovery Perlas will be held every Sunday and Wednesday, airing live on IBC 13 as well as on the league’s official Facebook page and YouTube channel.
(With words by Luisa Morales, OneSports.ph)
