FROM THE outset, UST head coach Haydee Ong has acknowledged the challenges of building a strong and steady fanbase for the inaugural season of the Women’s Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (WMPBL), where she serves as commissioner.
As a former collegiate player and national team athlete, Ong understands the limited opportunities for women in basketball, which often diminish interest among fans and players.
To address this, Ong is leveraging every resource to maximize the league’s visibility as it tips off its maiden season on Sunday, Jan. 19, at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion (QPav).
The WMPBL will be televised nationally on IBC 13, and all games will be livestreamed on Facebook and YouTube to reach a broader online audience.
However, boosting online and TV viewership is only part of the solution.
The league also needs to address declining live game attendance, a challenge faced even by established leagues like the Philippine Basketball Association.
To encourage fans to attend in person, the WMPBL will offer free admission for all games in its first season.
“Siyempre, kailangan natin i-increase ‘yong fanbase… It’s open to the public, walang bayad ang ticket, free admission,” Ong told the Varsitarian. “So, we encourage ‘yong basketball-loving fans [to attend].”
Aside from the UST QPav, games will also be held at the FEU Diliman and New Era University gymnasiums. Ong plans for each team to host at least one game in the future.
The inaugural WMPBL season will feature 14 teams divided into Group A and Group B, comprising collegiate squads, private clubs, and LGU-backed teams.
Participating teams include the UST Growling Tigresses, FEU Lady Tamaraws, CEU Lady Scorpions, Cavite Tol Patriots, San Juan Lady Knights, PSP Gymers, Solar Home Suns, Pilipinas Navy Aguilas, New Zealand Bluefire Valkyries, Kalos PH-Philippine Navy Lady Sailors, Galeries Tower Highrisers, EZ Jersey Relentless, and Discover Perlas.
UST assistant coach Allana Lim will play for Discover Perlas.
The league is set to secure its professional license from the Games and Amusements Board in June.
Looking ahead, Ong envisioned expanding the league to Visayas and Mindanao but emphasized the need to test the waters first.
“We will start with smaller steps for now,” she said. “Once we’ve gained a solid understanding and become comfortable with the process, we can consider expanding our efforts to the Visayas and Mindanao.” with reports from Frenchshield Shayne G. Delovieres