Parañaque becomes seventh team to join WMPBL

Parañaque City is set to further boost the growth of the Women’s Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (WMPBL) after officially confirming its entry for the league’s upcoming season, becoming the seventh franchise in the expanding professional women’s basketball circuit.

The new team will join the league’s current roster of franchises, which includes Akari-Rizal, Batangas-New Zealand Bluefire, Biñan-Tatak Gel, Caloocan, RK Hoops-Quezon City 10ACT, and Pasig Queenpin.

Parañaque has been a key supporter of the WMPBL, regularly hosting games at the Parañaque City Coliseum. Its decision to field its own team signals a stronger commitment to advancing women’s basketball in the country.

WMPBL president John Kallos welcomed the addition, saying the arrival of another franchise reflects the growing trust and support the league continues to receive.

“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.

According to Kallos, the league’s expansion mirrors the increasing investment from local government units and private organizations in women’s basketball, highlighting the sport’s growing popularity 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.

The WMPBL’s expansion plans may not stop with Parañaque.

Kallos revealed that several cities have already expressed interest in joining the league, including Valenzuela, Taguig, and Lipa. Discussions are also ongoing regarding the return of San Juan, which participated in the Invitational Tournament and the inaugural season before taking a break this year.

While no formal agreements have been finalized, league officials are optimistic that more franchises will come on board, potentially increasing the number of teams to double digits.

“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,” Kallos said.

If these plans come to fruition, the WMPBL will continue its rapid growth and further establish itself as a premier professional platform for women’s basketball players in the Philippines.