Boxing legend Manny Pacquiao delves into a new foray in sports — supporting women’s basketball — in the inaugural WMPBL Invitational.
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 at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion on Sunday.
Speaking to all 14 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 boxing champion said that it wasn’t just about holding the games, but rather bringing women’s basketball to the spotlight in the Philippines.
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“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,” said Pacquiao.
“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," he added.
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.
After the opening ceremonies, which was highlighted by a players’ parade, performances by the UST Salinggawi Dance Troupe and the UST Yellow Jackets, a triple-header is set to draw the curtains on the league.
Hosts UST are facing off against Discovery Perlas as of press time.
Meanwhile, the PSP Gymers face off against the Imus Lady Magdalo at 6 p.m. before the Cavite TOL Patriots face the New Zealand Blu Fire Valkyries in the main game at 8 p.m.