MANILA -- After the successful staging of its inaugural tournament, the Women's Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League is set to turn professional, with the long-term goal of providing a home for Filipina basketball players.

The WMPBL's Invitational Tournament wrapped up on Wednesday night with the Pilipinas Aguilas emerging as champions after defeating University of Santo Tomas, 54-45, in a do-or-die Game 3 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila.

"Nakikita ko 'yung games, how exciting it is," said WMPBL commissioner Haydee Ong. "'Yung involvement ng mga fans—very into it sila every time may laro tayo, especially sa finals. Very engaged 'yung audience. From Game 1, Game 2, Game 3, nag-increase 'yung viewership natin."

READ: Pilipinas Aguilas crowned inaugural WMPBL champions

Pilipinas Aguilas celebrate after winning the first-ever Women’s Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League championship, April 23, 2025 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila. The Aguilas beat UST, 54-45, in the do-or-die Game 3. Handout/WMPBL

Ong and other stakeholders of the WMPBL believe the league is now ready to take the next step and turn professional.

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

It's the fulfillment of a personal dream for Ong, also the head coach of UST in the collegiate ranks and a longtime advocate of women's basketball in the Philippines.

"Ako, dream ko talaga kahit nung naglalaro pa ako is to have a platform for women's basketball to showcase their skills and talent," she shared. 

"Kung hindi man dumating sa panahon ko, I think ngayon, this is a great opportunity for the future and present generation of women's ballers—na parang meron pa silang career na mapupuntahan right after college. Hindi lang sa national team. So ngayon, mas lumaki 'yung oportunidad na mas maraming makapaglaro na women ballers dito."

The primary concern now for Ong is to ensure the league's sustainability. She has committed to implementing clear standards and careful screening of teams ahead of the WMPBL's first professional season later this year.

"Of course, I'm one of the happiest na magtutuloy na siya into a pro league," said Ong. "But of course, marami kaming dapat gawin for the league to be sustainable. Kailangan muna maging stable 'yung liga namin, and very important 'yung team criteria—who we will choose to join the first regular season of the WMPBL. So we will scrutinize lahat talaga para mas gumanda 'yung liga."