After a successful inaugural season, the WMPBL announced its transition into a professional league—turning the long-held dream of women basketball athletes into reality.
After a landmark first season, the Women’s Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (WMPBL) is making the leap to professional status—solidifying its place as a trailblazer for women’s basketball in the country.
What started as a passion project for women eager to continue playing after college has now grown into a full-fledged league, offering a legitimate platform for Filipina athletes to pursue their hoop dreams at the next level.
WMPBL Commissioner Haydee Ong confirmed the move will come with major structural changes, especially in eligibility and team composition.
“Definitely wala nang collegiate teams kasi hindi na pwede. So it’s going to be a mixture of club teams and LGU helping out, ‘yung private sectors. More or less pareho ng MPBL but we will treat ‘yong mga ibang requirements because syempre iba ‘yong women’s, iba ‘yong men’s,” Ong explained.
While the shift opens doors for clubs and local government units, the league is determined to keep things focused and competitive.
“Ideally, gusto ko talaga to start it small. Sabi ko rin ‘yong umpisa pa lang ‘yong WMPBL, we wanted to like 10 [teams], maximum of 12, kasi gusto natin quality ‘yong mga teams na papasok. At the same time, we will screen ‘yong mga team owners of course. Priority namin are the teams that joined the inaugural. We have given them the priority if they wanted to join or not. Then we will open up to other LGUs and other private clubs,” she added.
Throughout its pilot season, the WMPBL experimented with several innovations to enhance the level of play and professionalism, something Ong says the league will continue to improve on.
“From the start naman meron tayong ininject na bagong ideas. Like sa officiating, apat silang pumipito, mga officials naka-lapel sila. We will monitor ano ‘yong mga mali. On the spot, naco-correct namin on and there.”
With the announcement, the WMPBL is calling on interested teams to be part of this historic transition. Letters of intent may be submitted to womensmpbl@gmail.com.
As the women’s game continues to gain traction in the Philippines, the WMPBL’s move to turn pro signals not just growth—but a commitment to carving out a lasting home for women in basketball.
(With reports from Luisa Morales/One Sports)