Parañaque looks to become the seventh team in the Women’s Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League after officially committing to join the growing women’s professional league starting next season.
The city will join Akari-Rizal, Batangas-New Zealand Bluefire, Biñan-Tatak Gel, Caloocan, RK Hoops-Quezon City 10ACT, and Pasig Queenpin as the league continues to expand ahead of its upcoming campaign.
Parañaque is no stranger to the WMPBL, having regularly hosted league games at the Parañaque City Coliseum throughout the season before deciding to field its own team.
League president John Kallos welcomed Parañaque’s entry and thanked the city for its trust in the league, saying the addition of another franchise reflects the growing confidence in both the WMPBL and women’s basketball in the country.
“Actually, siyempre malaking bagay kasi alam natin na lumalaki na ‘yung industriya ng women’s basketball natin dito sa Pilipinas. Then siyempre, ‘yung trust na nakukuha natin from the new teams,” said Kallos.
The league’s continued expansion comes as more stakeholders and local government units throw their support behind women’s basketball, a development Kallos believes highlights the sport’s growing reach nationwide.
“Siyempre, malaking bagay. Una sa lahat, alam naman natin noong nag-start tayo, mahirap mag-maintain ng women’s league. Wala pang masyadong naniniwala sa capabilities ng women’s basketball. But now, nakikita na natin ‘yung halaga ng pro league na meron na silang pupuntahan as their platform. So ‘yun ‘yung pinakamalaking bagay na nagawa ni boss Manny Pacquiao dito sa ating women’s leagues,” he added.
Beyond Parañaque, several other cities are also exploring entry into the WMPBL.
Kallos revealed that Valenzuela, Taguig, and Lipa have all expressed interest in joining the league for the upcoming season, while discussions are ongoing with San Juan regarding a possible return.
San Juan previously competed in the league’s Invitational Tournament and inaugural season before sitting out this year’s campaign.
While no agreements have been finalized, Kallos remains optimistic that the negotiations will lead to additional teams joining the league.
“Lipa City nag-show na sila ng interest. Valenzuela, nag-show na sila ng interest. One would be Taguig. So ‘yun, more or less 10 teams. San Juan kasi is coming back, so three teams pa coming in as new teams, then ‘yung San Juan, ‘yun ‘yung babalik as of now,” he said.
