The Women's Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (WMPBL) is preparing to transition into a professional league following the success of its inaugural season.
Originally launched as a grassroots initiative to support women eager to continue playing basketball beyond college, the WMPBL has quickly evolved into a viable platform for Filipina athletes.
The move to professional status aims to establish a long-term career pathway for local players outside the collegiate and national team circuits.
Major changes
Haydee Ong, the commissioner of the WMPBL, indicated that the transition will include significant structural adjustments, particularly with regard to eligibility and squad composition.
"But of course, marami kaming dapat gawin for the league to be sustainable. Kailangan muna maging stable 'yung liga namin, and very important 'yung team criteria—who we will choose to join the first regular season of the WMPBL. So we will scrutinize lahat talaga para mas gumanda 'yung liga," she said.
For Ong, a long standing supporter of women's basketball in the Philippines and the head coach of UST in the collegiate ranks, it's the realization of a personal ambition.
"Ako, dream ko talaga kahit nung naglalaro pa ako is to have a platform for women's basketball to showcase their skills and talent," Ong said.
Successful first season
Following the success of the league's first season, in which the Pilipinas Aguilas became the first-ever champions, the news was made on the league's official social media accounts.
The league is inviting interested clubs to join its professional chapter as part of the upcoming phase, which starts in June.
“Women basketball athletes dreamed of a platform where they could continue pursuing their passion for the game,” the league said.
“Today, that dream is becoming a reality—not just for them, but for little girls who see a future in the sport they love.”
