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| (Image Source: GMA Network/NCAA Philippines) |
The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), the Philippines' first and oldest athletic collegiate league, is beginning a new era in collegiate sports through its home and official broadcast partner GMA Network. With the theme "Building Greatness" and featuring significant developments, NCAA Season 101 officially kicks off on October 1, 2025 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Hosted by Mapúa University, the new season is bringing together the league's 10-member schools.
Season 101 Policy Board President and Mapúa University President and CEO Dr. Dodjie Maestrecampo underscored the league's renewed focus, stating, “As we officially launch Season 101, we embark on a new era for the NCAA - one that places a deliberate focus on athletic achievement and progress for the NCAA. In line with this season's theme, we aim to inspire a new generation of student-athletes to not only compete at their highest level, but to also build upon the legacy of greatness that this league was founded on.” Supporting this vision are the members of the Policy Board comprising of Francisco Paulino V. Cayco of Arellano University; Fr. Raymund Fernando P. Jose, OP of Colegio de San Juan de Letran; Bro. Edmundo L. Fernandez, FSC, of De La Salle-College of St. Benilde; Dr. Jose Paulo E. Campos of Emilio Aguinaldo College; Dr. Vincent K. Fabella of José Rizal University; Atty. Roberto P. Laurel of Lyceum of the Philippines University; Fr. Aloysius Ma. A. Maranan, OSB, of San Beda University; Fr. Rafael B. Pecson, OAR, of San Sebastian College-Recoletos; and Dr. Anthony Jose M. Tamayo of the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA. NCAA Season 101 Management Committee Chairman Melchor Divina of Mapúa University announced significant developments for this season, particularly on the new tournament format for the basketball and volleyball tournaments. He said, "NCAA Season 101 promises to be a landmark year for the league. These changes will not only elevate the level of competition, but also bring more excitement and a thrilling experience for our fans.” Divina is joined by members of the NCAA Management Committee comprising of Peter S. Cayco of Arellano University; Fr. Victor C. Calvo, Jr., OP, of Colegio de San Juan de Letran; Manuel Raymund A. Castellano of De La Salle-College of St. Benilde; Dr. Lorenzo C. Lorenzo of Emilio Aguinaldo College; Efren Y. Supan of José Rizal University; Dr. Allan Paul Layco of Lyceum of the Philippines University; Atty. Jonas D. Cabochan of San Beda University; Fr. Virgilio M. Paredes Jr., OAR, of San Sebastian College-Recoletos; and Francisco P. Gusi Jr. of the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA.
Over the past few seasons, GMA Network has brought the NCAA closer to more audiences with the Network's wide reach across all platforms. “As the multi-platform media partner, GMA Network not only made the games available on TV but as well as digital since Season 96, dedicated to bringing a top-tier athletic league to schools, fans, and sports enthusiasts everywhere. As we enter an exciting new chapter this Season 101, GMA Network, the home of the NCAA, is committed to delivering a world-class viewing experience,” said GMA Network Senior Vice President and Head of GMA Integrated News, Regional TV, and Synergy Oliver Victor B. Amoroso. For Season 101, the NCAA introduces a new tournament format for its basketball and volleyball games. Fans can expect a more thrilling and dynamic viewing experience, as the new format is designed to heighten competition and bring excitement to the games. The new format features a group stage with crossover play, followed by an expanded playoff system. The updated playoffs will feature a play-in game for the fourth seeds, a twice-to-beat advantage for the top two seeds of each group in the quarterfinals, and best-of-three series for both the semifinals and the finals. The excitement begins with a star-studded "NCAA Season 101: Building Greatness Opening Ceremony” on October 1. Hosting the event is no less than GMA Synergy sportscaster and “24 Oras” “Game Changer” segment host Martin Javier together with Sparkle artist Ashley Ortega and Anjo Pertierra. Performing the NCAA Season 101 theme song “Own The Future” are All Out Sundays' Divas of Queendom Thea Astley, Hannah Precillas, and Naya Ambi with a special performance by Aicelle Santos-Zambrano. The “NCAA Season 101: Building Greatness Opening Ceremony” happens on October 1, 12:00 noon, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum with telecast on GTV at 1:30 pm followed by opening day games of the Men's Basketball tournament featuring two exciting matchups. Host school and defending champions Mapúa University takes on Lyceum of the Philippines University at 2:30 pm, airing on GTV and Heart of Asia (HOA). In the second game, the College of Saint Benilde battles San Beda University at 5:00 pm, airing exclusively on HOA. Tickets for the October 1 games are available via www.smtickets.com or on-site at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Ticket Booth.
The NCAA Season 101 promises a full season of competition beyond men's basketball: Women's and Men's Volleyball, Taekwondo, Badminton, Table Tennis, Swimming, Street Dance, Beach Volleyball, Juniors' Basketball, Football, Lawn Tennis, Volleyball Fiesta, Soft Tennis, 3x3, Track and Field, and Cheerleading. Don't miss the action on NCAA Season 101 with live games airing every Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays at 11:00 am on HOA and at 2:30 pm on GTV and HOA; Fridays at 12:00 noon and 2:30 pm on HOA; and Sundays at 12:00 noon and 2:30 pm on GTV and HOA. The games will also be streamed on the NCAA Philippines website (www.gmanetwork.com/ncaa), the NCAA Philippines Facebook page and YouTube channel, as well as GMA Sports' Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) pages. Global Pinoys can catch the opening ceremony live on GMA international channels GMA Pinoy TV and GMA News TV, while succeeding games can be viewed live via GMA News TV. For more updates on the NCAA, visit its official website at www.ncaa.com.ph and follow @ncaaphilippines, @gmasynergy, and @gmasportsph on social media.
