Pilipinas Aguilas are the WMPBL inaugural Invitational Tournament champions. –WMPBL PHOTO

The Women’s Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (WMPBL) is officially turning pro, marking a major step forward for women’s basketball in the country.

Following the conclusion of its inaugural Invitational Tournament—where the Pilipinas Aguilas beat the UST Growling Tigresses in a gritty Game 3 to claim the first league title—the WMPBL is now preparing for its first full professional season later this year.

READ: Haydee Ong, UST champion coach, takes role of WMPBL commissioner

“Turning pro means we’re no longer just proving we belong; we’re building a future,” said league president John Kallos. “The WMPBL is here to stay, and we’re ready to give Filipina athletes a real career path in the sport they love.”

Commissioner Haydee Ong said going pro has long been the dream. “Even when I was still playing, I hoped for a platform like this,” she said. “Now, players have something to look forward to after college—not just the national team.”

Ong also emphasized the importance of long-term sustainability. The league will begin screening teams and implementing standards to ensure it’s ready for the demands of a professional setup.

“Of course, I’m happy we’re moving forward,” Ong said. “But for the league to thrive, we need to make sure it’s stable. That starts with choosing the right teams.”

The league’s first season featured 14 teams split into two groups that competed in the single-round robin eliminations.

The semifinals and finals were played in a best-of-three series.

Backed by key figures like Manny Pacquiao, Senator Francis Tolentino, and the MPBL Partylist—as well as sponsors such as Uratex, Discovery Suites, and Gerry’s Grill—the WMPBL hopes to provide a permanent home for Filipino women ballers aiming to pursue the sport beyond school.