As the Olympic Games Paris 2024 came to a close, a spirited debate was unfolding among Filipino sports fans: should funding for popular sports such as basketball and volleyball be redirected toward the so-called “other sports”?
Impressive achievements in the recent Olympic cycles have driven this change.
Weightlifting has delivered a gold and a silver, gymnastics has added two golds, and boxing contributed two silvers and three bronzes to the Philippines’ medal tally over the past three Olympic cycles.
Their successes are juxtaposed against the setbacks of the country’s basketball and volleyball teams.
The Gilas Men have yet to secure an Olympic berth, despite making three consecutive FIBA Basketball World Cup appearances.
On the other hand, the Alas Men are poised to make their mark in next year’s FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship as the host team.
The Funding Landscape
So, does it truly make sense to defund basketball and volleyball to boost support for these “other sports”?
It is important to note that basketball and volleyball programs, such as those managed by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) and the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF), are predominantly supported by private sector funding – meaning they receive minimal financial assistance from government coffers.
Conversely, many other National Sports Associations (NSAs) heavily rely on government funding. This discrepancy raises the question: will reallocating funds from basketball and volleyball truly benefit these other sports?
Fans Change the Game
The answer to boosting support for “other sports” lies with the individual fan. The more fans engage with and support these sports, the more likely they are to attract attention from broadcasters and sponsors.
For starters, show support by attending local games and events. Presence inside venues boosts not only the athletes themselves but also the sport’s visibility. More attendees mean more attention from potential sponsors.
Support grassroots initiatives to encourage youth participation, which ensures a steady flow of talent, and fosters the growth of these sports.
Next is engaging online. Follow, share, and interact with sports content related to these “other sports.” Online activity helps build a fanbase and attracts media coverage.
From there, it is possible to boost broadcast opportunities. Higher viewership attracts broadcast partners. When these sports gain visibility on prominent channels, they become more appealing to advertisers – leading to increased sponsorship.
The Role of the UAAP
Just as basketball and volleyball received backlash online recently, the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) has also attracted criticism for not having the events that have won the country medals in the Olympics in its calendar.
This mindset goes against today’s sporting climate, where the UAAP plays a crucial role. Many of the country’s national athletes come from the league’s member schools, which makes them an essential platform for showcasing and nurturing talent in these “other sports.”
As a prominent stage that hones athletes’ skills, the UAAP has produced the late Ian Lariba, EJ Obiena, and numerous homegrown standouts. Case in point: most of Team Philippines’ medalists from the 32nd Southeast Asian Games emerged from the league.
The league’s annual events provide fans with a convenient way to support these athletes. Support for these sports does not require a hefty investment. Tickets for UAAP tournaments such as badminton and football are priced at a modest P100 to P150 per game day.
This offers a great opportunity to support and witness the future stars of Philippine sports.
To paraphrase an old advertisement: Hanggang saan aabot ang P100 mo? Para sa kinabukasan ng atletang Pilipino.
Focus on Support, Not Conflict
The debate over reallocating funding from basketball and volleyball to “other sports” highlights a broader issue: the need for more fan involvement in supporting diverse athletic programs.
While basketball and volleyball have strong private sector backing, the growth of “other sports” depends significantly on consistent fan engagement and support, and not only when it is time to watch the Olympics every four years.
So when pondering the future of Filipino sports, remember that one’s support, whether through attending games, engaging online, or encouraging youth participation, makes a significant difference.
Embrace the opportunity to support “other sports” and contribute to the bright future of Filipino athletes.
