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Gilas Pilipinas begins its campaign to defend the men’s basketball gold medal at the 2026 Asian Games with a significantly different lineup from the team that ended the country’s 61-year title drought in Hangzhou.

The Philippines opens its title defense against Bahrain on September 11 in Nagoya, Japan, beginning a challenging tournament that will test whether the new-look national team can once again rise to the occasion on the Asian stage.

The men’s basketball competition will be held from September 10 to 20, ahead of the official Asian Games opening ceremony, with the 5-on-5 tournament taking place at the Aichi International Arena in Nagoya.

Coach Tim Cone is building the 2026 squad primarily around players from the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) after several regular Gilas players based in Japan and South Korea became unavailable because the Asian Games falls outside the regular FIBA competition calendar.

That has left the Philippines with a roster that looks markedly different from the squad that won gold in Hangzhou in 2023.

A very different Gilas team

The Philippines will enter the tournament without several key players who have been part of its recent international campaigns.

Among those unavailable are Kai Sotto, Dwight Ramos, AJ Edu, Kevin Quiambao and Carl Tamayo, while veteran center June Mar Fajardo has already retired from international basketball.

Cone has confirmed that RJ Abarrientos, Justin Arana and Justin Baltazar will be part of the Asian Games team, while players such as Robert Bolick and Adrian Nocum are among the prominent candidates for the final 12-man lineup.

The final roster, however, remained subject to confirmation as of September 1.

The changes mean Cone will have to build a team around a different mix of size, athleticism and offensive firepower.

With a smaller lineup compared with previous Gilas squads, the coach is expected to emphasize speed, quickness and an up-tempo style of basketball.

The approach could allow the Philippines to maximize its athleticism, but it also presents challenges against teams capable of exploiting Gilas’ lack of size in the frontcourt.

Brownlee remains the biggest question

Perhaps the most important unresolved issue surrounding the team is the availability of Justin Brownlee.

The veteran naturalized player played a pivotal role in Gilas’ historic 2023 Asian Games campaign, but his participation in Nagoya has yet to be confirmed.

Cone said the Philippines has reserved a roster spot for Brownlee, leaving the door open for his return if he is healthy enough to compete.

Brownlee had been dealing with leg, hamstring and knee problems and missed Gilas’ recent FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers games against Jordan and Iran.

His importance to the team is difficult to overstate.

In the 2023 Asian Games semifinals, Brownlee erupted for 33 points, including 17 in the fourth quarter, as the Philippines overcame a 20-point deficit to stun host China, 77-76.

He followed that performance with 20 points, 10 rebounds, five assists and two steals in the championship game against Jordan as Gilas won 70-60 and captured the gold medal.

If Brownlee is healthy and commits to the team, his experience and scoring ability could provide a major boost to an otherwise revamped lineup.

No Kai Sotto, no June Mar Fajardo

The absence of Kai Sotto is another significant change.

Cone confirmed that Sotto would participate in the August FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers but would not be part of the Asian Games squad.

No specific reason was given for Sotto’s absence.

The 7-foot-3 center had recently returned from a lengthy injury layoff and helped Gilas defeat Jordan and Iran in the World Cup qualifiers, averaging 15.5 points, 15 rebounds, three assists and one block across the two victories.

Sotto is currently unsigned after his contract in Japan expired, while his basketball future remained uncertain as he awaited developments regarding his eligibility to play in the US NCAA.

Meanwhile, Fajardo has officially ended his Gilas career.

The 36-year-old center retired from international basketball after more than a decade representing the Philippines, including three FIBA World Cup appearances and the historic Asian Games championship in 2023.

Overseas commitments reshape the roster

The absence of several other Gilas regulars is largely tied to the timing of the Asian Games.

Dwight Ramos and AJ Edu play in Japan, while Kevin Quiambao and Carl Tamayo are based in South Korea. Because the Asian Games is outside the regular FIBA competition calendar, securing the release of overseas players becomes more difficult.

That prompted Cone and the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas to construct a separate team largely composed of PBA players.

It is a situation that creates both uncertainty and opportunity.

The new lineup may lack the familiarity and international experience of the 2023 champions, but it also gives a new generation of PBA standouts an opportunity to establish themselves on the Asian stage.

Boatwright unavailable

Another potential option has also been removed from consideration.

Bennie Boatwright will not play for Gilas in Nagoya because his naturalization and Philippine passport requirements were not completed in time.

Cone had identified Boatwright as a possible naturalized-player option, but with the passport unavailable before the tournament, Brownlee remains the preferred choice if he is healthy and willing to return.

A familiar opponent awaits

Gilas has been drawn into Group C alongside China, Bahrain and Kazakhstan.

The Philippines opens against Bahrain on September 11 before facing Kazakhstan the following day.

The group-stage schedule then culminates in a highly anticipated meeting with China on September 14.

The matchup carries plenty of history.

Three years ago in Hangzhou, Gilas stunned the host nation with one of the most memorable comebacks in Philippine basketball history.

The Philippines trailed China by 20 points before Brownlee and the Nationals completed the comeback for a dramatic 77-76 victory.

Now, the two teams meet again—this time in the group stage.

The circumstances, however, are very different.

The Philippines is defending the title with a largely new squad, while China will be eager to erase the memory of its painful semifinal defeat on home soil.

The road to another gold medal

After the group stage, the quarterfinals are scheduled for September 16, followed by the semifinals on September 18.

The medal games are set for September 20, with the bronze-medal game scheduled at 3:40 p.m. Philippine time and the gold-medal game at 6:40 p.m.

Gilas’ exact quarterfinal and semifinal schedules will depend on its group-stage finish and subsequent tournament results.

Gilas Pilipinas Asian Games schedule

September 11 — vs. Bahrain, 12 noon Philippine time

September 12 — vs. Kazakhstan, 6 p.m.

September 14 — vs. China, 12 noon

September 16 — Quarterfinals

September 18 — Semifinals

September 20 — Bronze-medal game or gold-medal game

Japan is one hour ahead of the Philippines, with the schedule above converted to Philippine time.

Can Gilas defend the crown?

The Philippines enters Nagoya as the reigning Asian Games champion, but repeating that achievement will be far from straightforward.

The team that conquered Hangzhou three years ago featured Brownlee, Fajardo and several established national-team stars. The 2026 squad, meanwhile, will be asked to succeed without many of those familiar faces.

The final roster and Brownlee’s availability could significantly affect Gilas’ chances.

Still, the mission remains unchanged.

Win gold.

The Philippines ended a 61-year wait for the Asian Games basketball championship in 2023. Now, a new-look Gilas team must prove that the victory in Hangzhou was not simply a one-time breakthrough.

For Cone and his players, the challenge is clear: adapt quickly, embrace the pressure and keep the gold in Philippine hands.

The title defense begins September 11.

Different players. Different circumstances. Same dream.

He was told “no.” So he lifted. And eventually, he lifted his way to the Olympics.

Long before John Ceniza became an Olympic weightlifter, he was a young boy from Pasil, Cebu, who knew the harsh realities of poverty.

Raised by his grandmother, Ceniza grew up with very little. There were times when putting food on the table meant eating rice with nothing more than soy sauce or fish sauce.

As a child, he worked as an errand boy and carried wood in exchange for whatever small amount of money he could earn.

For Ceniza, survival came before sports.

But an unlikely moment involving his own brother would eventually change the direction of his life.

Ceniza discovered weightlifting almost by accident after his brother acquired new gym equipment—but refused to let him use it.

It was a simple rejection.

A small “no.”

But instead of walking away, Ceniza found himself even more determined to try.

What began with curiosity eventually became a passion. The boy who once struggled simply to get enough food would go on to dedicate himself to one of the most demanding sports in the world.

Every lift became another step away from the circumstances he was born into.

Every training session became another opportunity to prove that his beginnings did not have to define his destination.

And eventually, Ceniza reached the biggest stage of them all—the Olympic Games.

His journey is a powerful reminder that sporting greatness does not always begin in elite facilities or with access to every advantage.

Sometimes, it begins in the most unlikely places.

Sometimes, it begins with poverty.

Sometimes, it begins with a child simply wanting to try something he was told he couldn't do.

And sometimes, one small “no” can become the motivation to keep lifting until the entire world takes notice.

From Pasil, Cebu, to the Olympics, John Ceniza's journey is more than a weightlifting story.

It is a story about hunger, resilience, determination—and refusing to let circumstances decide how high you can rise.

He started with almost nothing. But he kept lifting until he had earned his place among the world's best.

That is the kind of story Philippine sports should never stop telling.

Michael Martinez may no longer be competing on the ice, but his impact on Philippine figure skating is far from over.

After being offered a coaching role by the Philippine Skating Union, Martinez has embraced a new chapter as a figure skating coach, mentoring young Filipino skaters and sharing the knowledge he gained from years of competition.

And honestly, there’s something inspiring about that transition.

Michael admitted that he still wants to skate, especially when he watches his students and other athletes compete. But coaching has given him a different kind of fulfillment — helping young skaters improve and preparing them for the future.

“As a skater, I get to represent and show what I can really do. But when you’re a coach, you get to share your knowledge.”

That may be Michael Martinez’s next legacy.

He once carried the Philippine flag on the world’s biggest skating stages. Now, he’s helping prepare the next generation of Filipinos who might one day do the same. 🇵🇭❤️

The champion may have stepped off the competitive ice, but he never really left the sport. He’s simply helping others find their own way to shine. ⛸️✨

Filipino pole vault star EJ Obiena added another gold medal to his growing list of achievements after ruling the Stabhochsprung Meeting in Jockgrim, Germany.

Obiena cleared 5.83 meters to capture the championship on Thursday morning (Philippine time), continuing his impressive run in the 2026 season. The world No. 14 athlete attempted to clear 5.93 meters to surpass his season-best mark of 5.85 meters, but failed to complete the height in three attempts.

Despite the challenge, Obiena finished ahead of Qatar’s Seifeldin Abdelsalam, who also cleared 5.83 meters but needed three attempts to do so. Turkey’s Ersu Sasma secured the bronze medal after clearing 5.77 meters in two attempts.

In a social media post, Obiena shared his satisfaction with the victory despite facing difficulties during the competition, saying the performance was far from perfect but he was happy to secure the win.

The victory marked Obiena’s fourth gold medal in Germany this 2026 season. He previously topped the International Springer-Meeting in Cottbus, won at the ISTAF Indoor Berlin, and recently claimed gold at the Halberstädter Höhenflug – International Pole Vault Meeting in Halberstadt.

With his continued dominance in international competitions, Obiena remains one of the Philippines’ biggest hopes for global athletics success and continues to inspire Filipino athletes around the world.

Filipino pole vault star EJ Obiena received recognition from the Philippine Senate following his latest international victory at the Halberstädter Hohenflug International Pole Vault Competition in Germany.

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go filed Senate Resolution No. 552 to commend Obiena for capturing the gold medal in the prestigious competition, highlighting his dedication, perseverance, and continued excellence in international athletics.

Obiena secured the championship after clearing 5.76 meters, once again proving that Filipino athletes can compete and succeed against the world’s best.

The Senate resolution recognized Obiena’s remarkable achievements and the inspiration he provides to Filipino athletes and sports enthusiasts. His consistent performances on the global stage have helped elevate the profile of Philippine athletics and brought pride to the country.

Obiena’s latest victory adds to his growing list of international accomplishments and further cements his status as one of the world’s top pole vaulters.

With every record-breaking leap and podium finish, Obiena continues to inspire a new generation of Filipino athletes to pursue excellence on the global stage.

Senate Committee on Sports Chairman Senator Christopher “Bong” Go praised Filipino tennis champion Alexandra “Alex” Eala not only for her historic championship win at the 2026 Mubadala DC Open in Washington, D.C., USA, but also for giving Filipinos a reason to unite.

Go said Eala’s win brought Filipinos from all walks of life together to rally behind her breakthrough victory and celebrate a defining moment for Philippine tennis, amid intense political division in the country.

“Sa panahon ngayon na ang daming kaguluhan sa mundo at watak-watak ang bansa dahil sa magulong pulitika, at least for a few hours during the last few nights, nagkaisa po ang mga Pilipino,” Go said.

“Filipinos from all walks of life watched every serve, every rally, and every match point, and every winning moment that brought many Filipinos to tears. Truly, Alex Eala makes us proud to be Filipinos again,” the senator declared.

Go on Wednesday, August 5, manifested his co-sponsorship of a Senate resolution to congratulate Eala after she defeated World No. 3 and tournament top seed Jessica Pegula, 4–6, 6–4, 6–0, in the championship match. With the victory, Eala became the first Filipino to win a WTA Tour singles championship.

“This milestone forever changed the history of Philippine tennis and further cemented her place among our nation’s greatest athletes. Every match of Alex serves as an inspiration. Alex Eala shattered a ceiling that many believed a Filipino tennis player could never reach. She is living proof that success is earned through discipline, perseverance, sacrifice, and an unwavering belief in one’s dream,” he said.

Go also filed Senate Resolution No. 561 commending Eala for her historic championship at the Mubadala DC Open.

Prior to this, Go filed Senate Resolution No. 493 recognizing Eala’s historic Wimbledon campaign, during which she became the first Filipina to win in the women’s singles main draw and the first Filipino in the Open Era to reach the fourth round of the Grand Slam tournament.

In his speech, Go recalled personally watching Eala compete at the Philippine Women’s Open at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center in January. He also welcomed plans to hold the tournament again next year, saying international sporting events can strengthen both athlete development and tourism.

The senator said Eala’s championship was the result of years of preparation and sacrifices that began when she was still a young athlete.

“She left the comfort of home at an early age to train abroad, dedicating countless hours to practice while making sacrifices that many people never see. Behind every championship point were years of exhausting training sessions,” Go said.

Go extended his congratulations to Eala’s family, coaches, the Philippine tennis community, the Philippine Tennis Association led by its president, Representative Eric Olivarez, and secretary general Mayor John Rey Tiangco, as well as the Philippine Sports Commission under Chairperson Patrick “Pato” Gregorio.

“May her story continue to inspire generations of Filipinos to dream boldly, work tirelessly, and proudly raise the Philippine flag in every arena of the world,” Go concluded.

The countdown to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games is on! Organizers officially unveiled the full competition schedule, setting the stage for a spectacular edition of the Games that promises to be both historic and inclusive.

The Opening Ceremony will take place on July 14, 2028, with the Closing Ceremony scheduled for July 30, marking 17 action-packed days of elite competition across 49 venues. A record 11,200 athletes will compete in 51 sports, making LA28 the biggest Olympic Games in history.

One of the most exciting highlights? The women’s 100-meter dash will headline Day 1, signaling a bold step toward celebrating women’s excellence in sports. “We want to start the Games with a bang—showcasing the fastest women in the world,” said Shana Ferguson, LA28 chief of sport.

For the first time ever, the Olympics will feature an equal or greater number of women’s teams compared to men’s, with 50.5% of athletes being women—a groundbreaking milestone for gender equality on the world stage.

In another first, athletics will span the entire Games, integrating tradition with innovation. Meanwhile, fans can look forward to the highly anticipated “Super Saturday” on July 29, which will feature 26 finals across 23 sports, including basketball, beach volleyball, boxing, golf, football, tennis, and more—promising one of the most thrilling single days in Olympic history.

The LA28 Games also mark the return of baseball and softball, the long-awaited comeback of cricket after over a century, and the Olympic debuts of flag football and squash—further expanding the Olympic spirit to new audiences around the globe.

As the world prepares for this monumental celebration of athleticism and unity, LA28 stands as a beacon of innovation, diversity, and inclusion—a testament to how the Olympic movement continues to evolve with the times.

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Sports, has renewed his call for government agencies to prioritize health, disaster resilience, and sports infrastructure over projects he described as having little value to Filipinos.

At a Senate Committee on Sports hearing on September 15, Go lamented that billions have been spent on flood control while sports and health facilities remain neglected.

“Sana ‘yung paggamit ng pondo sa infrastructure — instead na gamitin sa mga flood control na wala namang taong nakikinabang, nilalagay sa mga lugar na walang katao-tao — sa sports facilities na makakatulong… gawing dormitoryo, repair po ng ating pasilidad dahil ‘yung iba d’yan napakatagal,” Go said.

He noted that the recent flood control budget could have built 60,000 evacuation centers or 80,000 health centers nationwide, providing tangible benefits for communities.

“Kaysa sa proyektong walang pakinabang o ginagawang gatasan ng iilan, sa sports na lang. At least dito, makikinabang talaga ang ating kababayan at lalo na ang ating mga atleta,” he added.

Go also stressed the urgency of implementing the Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act, which mandates evacuation centers nationwide, and called on the DPWH to focus on sports facility development and rehabilitation.

His comments came after PSC Chairman Patrick Gregorio reported on the condition of key sports venues, including the flood-prone Rizal Memorial Sports Complex. 

Gregorio said the PSC is collaborating with the DPWH, MMDA, and other agencies to build catchment systems and upgrade facilities for long-term improvement.

Gregorio assured lawmakers that visible upgrades will soon begin, not only at Rizal Memorial but also at New Clark City’s National Academy of Sports and training centers in Baguio. The PSC is committed to responsible resource management to sustain Philippine sports growth.

In celebration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s 68th birthday, the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) donated 2,000 sports balls to the Office of the President to boost grassroots sports development in public schools. 

The donation consists of 1,000 volleyballs from the FIVB and PNVF, 500 basketballs from the SBP, and 500 footballs from the PFF.

The initiative aligns with Marcos’ call for a national sports development program, as announced in his recent State of the Nation Address. 

“Bubuo tayo ng bagong pambansang programa para sa sports development. Uumpisahan natin ito sa paaralan pa lamang,” Marcos said in his SONA.

In partnership with the Department of Education, the PSC will help revive sports clubs and competitions in public schools to nurture young athletic talent.

The First Family attended the FIVB Men’s World Championship 2025 opening at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, last Friday where President Marcos delivered the ceremonial serve. 

PSC Chairman Pato Gregorio hailed the milestone as a sign of a promising future for Philippine sports and youth development.

“We are standing at the threshold of a great new era and the dawn of a truly exciting legacy. Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!” said Gregorio.

The stage is set for a wide-open race as the maiden Pilipinas United 3x3 League (PUL) tips off this weekend at Ayala Malls Manila Bay.

Twelve men’s teams and eight women’s squads will battle for supremacy in this new halfcourt basketball showcase.

“Passion fuels every drive, every shot, every hustle, while purpose brings us together to push Philippine basketball to greater heights,” said PUL commissioner Eric Altamirano.

Local men’s teams include David Licauco’s Taho Story A, powerhouse Half Court Group (Hoopjeep), Sidney Onwubere’s YouGuard, and David Carlos’ Activate Sports, along with AMG Physical Therapy Clinic, Smile 360 Dental Clinic, Solaris, and Taho Story B. They will take on an international field featuring Ninja Airs and SBB from Japan, Dame Dolla from Vietnam, and Kuala Lumpur from Malaysia.

The men’s champion will earn a USD 5,000 prize and a ticket to the FIBA 3x3 Kaohsiung Challenger in October, while the top local team secures a spot in the FIBA 3x3 Manila Challenger in September.

In the women’s division, two-time UAAP MVP Kacey dela Rosa leads Gilas Pilipinas Women U23, joined by Uratex Dream and Pilipinas Aguilas.

International contenders include Japan’s Maurice Lacroix, Malaysia’s Harimau Black and Yellow, Vietnam’s Hanoi 3x3 By Amigos, and Singapore’s Jumpshot—all vying for the USD 3,000 cash prize.

Fans can catch the action live on PusoP.com and on Solar Sports via Digital Free TV Channel 21 in Mega Manila, Cablelink Channel 58, Sky Cable Channel 70 in NCR, and over 200 Pay TV operators nationwide.

With determination and the Philippine flag on his back, Carlos Baylon Jr. delivered an outstanding performance at the 2025 World Games, defeating Kazakhstan’s Islam Karimov, 2-0, to claim the bronze medal in wushu sanda on Tuesday at the Hi-Tech Zone Sports Centre Gymnasium.

Baylon set the tone early with aggressive takedowns and sharp striking, dominating the bout and securing a much-needed win for Team Philippines. 

“I am just happy to win this bronze medal,”  who earlier this year also captured gold at the IWUF 10th Sanda World Cup in China. “I hope I can win more tournaments and give pride to our country.” said Baylon.

His podium finish closes out the wushu team’s campaign in Chengdu on a high note, following Krizan Faith Collado’s narrow bronze-medal loss against Vietnam’s Thi Phuong Nga Ngo.

With Baylon’s bronze and an earlier silver secured, Team Philippines now holds two medals at the World Games, with five days of competition remaining. Baylon’s victory adds to the nation’s momentum and stands as a testament to Filipino resilience and passion on the world stage.

As the 2025 World Games continue, Filipino athletes remain focused on bringing honor to the flag and inspiring the nation.

The Siargao International 6000 Surfing Cup is set to showcase the excitement and allure of Philippine surfing from October 23 to 31 in scenic Siargao.

As the highest-ranking World Surf League (WSL) qualifying series ever hosted in the Philippines, the event is cementing Siargao’s reputation as a premier destination for professional surfing. 

The tournament will feature 128 male and 64 female top surfers from countries including China, Japan, Taiwan, Indonesia, Thailand, Australia, New Zealand, and the Philippines, all vying for a $50,000 top prize.

Earlier this year, the WSL staged the World Junior Championships in La Union, and this time, an even bigger event aimed at further promoting sports tourism in the country is set to take place. 

Philippine Sports Commission chairman, John Patrick “Pato” Gregorio emphasizes that the beauty of this kind of sports will help to boost sports tourism in the country and it is an economic driver. 

“This hosting is part of the sports tourism program that we are pursuing. We believe that sports tourism is an economic driver. And why surfing? Because it’s a beautiful sport. And with 7,100 islands, how can we go wrong? As long as we see the leaders really pushing, there’s no reason why we shouldn’t support it,” said Gregorio.

“There’s magic in Siargao, there’s magic in Baler, there’s magic in La Union,” he added.

Nevertheless, this time, this bigger event aimed at further promoting sports tourism in the country. 

“It’s not just for the athletes but for the local communities as well, I love all sports but surfing has a very special place in my heart” said Presidential son and Sports Ambassador Vincent Marcos at PSA Forum.

Also present were Philippine Sports Commission chairman Patrick Gregorio, House Committee on Youth and Sports chairman Rep. Mike Dy, Rep. Rommel Angara, Philippine Surfing Association president Dr. Raul Canlas, tournament technical director John Carby, world No. 3 longboard champion Jay-R Esquivel, and Nildie Blancada of the Siargao Surf Association.

Carlo Biado has made history once again, becoming the first Filipino to win a second World Pool Championship title after dethroning defending champion Fedor Gorst in a thrilling 15-13 final in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, yesterday morning, July 27 (Philippine time).

Biado, who first captured the World Nineball crown in 2017 in Doha, Qatar, is now the only Filipino to lift the prestigious trophy twice. In the final, Gorst raced to a quick 2-0 lead, but Biado responded with a dominant 9-2 run. Gorst clawed his way back, capitalizing on Biado’s errors to tie the match at 9-all and again at 13-all.

"I'm over the moon—I still can't believe I'm a two-time world champion. It means everything to me. I'm so proud to bring this trophy home to the Philippines," Biado said.

Undeterred, the 41-year-old showed poise under pressure, taking the last two racks to seal the victory and the title.

"This final is something I'll remember forever. Fedor is one of the best in the world," he added.

With this feat, Biado joins Filipino pool legends Efren “Bata” Reyes (1999), Ronnie Alcano (2006), and Francisco “Django” Bustamante (2010) as World Pool champions.

Meanwhile, Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino lauded Biado for upholding the country’s winning legacy in billiards.

“This is another great reason to rejoice and celebrate. Carlo Biado becoming the only player in the world to win the 9-ball championship twice is remarkable. Long live Biado and Philippine billiards,” he said.

The POC, which currently oversees the Billiard Sports Confederation of the Philippines (BSCP) following its suspension by the Asian Confederation of Billiard Sport, reaffirmed its commitment to support the country’s billiards athletes in training and international competitions, including the upcoming Southeast Asian Games in Thailand this December.

"We will continue to work, guide and help our national billiards athletes in their training and competitions abroad, including the Thailand SEA Games this December," Tolentino added.

The NCAA is heading back to where it all began.

In a landmark decision, the league is set to return to the historic Rizal Memorial Coliseum for its Season 101, marking a symbolic homecoming to one of Philippine sports' most iconic venues.

The move was made official after the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) gave the green light, clearing all logistical hurdles to host NCAA events at the restored coliseum.

The Rizal Memorial Coliseum has been an enduring symbol of Filipino athletic history. First opened in 1934, it has hosted countless memorable moments—from collegiate rivalries to international competitions. 

Its return as the NCAA’s battleground underscores the league’s commitment to honoring its deep roots while pushing forward into a new era, serving as the league’s iconic home and witnessing countless memorable games until 2005.

“This is truly where the NCAA’s identity was forged. Back in the day, the Rizal Memorial Coliseum and the NCAA were one and the same,” told by the acting Management Committee chairman Atty. Jonas Cabochan of San Beda University. 

The NCAA’s return has been warmly received by newly appointed PSC Chairman Pato Gregorio.

“We welcome back the NCAA with open arms. This is their home,” Gregorio affirmed.

The coliseum’s central location stands to benefit most member schools, many of which are based in Manila or the southern parts of Metro Manila—such as San Sebastian, San Beda, St. Benilde, Arellano, EAC, Letran, Mapúa, Lyceum, JRU, and Perpetual Help.

“Having the NCAA back here will draw bigger crowds for every game and reinforce the vibrant spirit that has always defined the league,” Gregorio added.

The NCAA is planning a soft launch at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum in September, followed by a grand opening in October.

Additionally, gymnastics, boxing, and weightlifting are being considered as demonstration sports for Season 101, highlighting disciplines that have brought honor to the Philippines in the Olympics, even though they will not yet be part of the official medal tally.

The Philippines is poised to make a striking impact at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand, running from December 9 to 20, by assembling its largest delegation in history. With unwavering government support, a remarkable 1,600-strong contingent—predominantly athletes from a variety of team sports—will proudly represent the nation at this highly esteemed regional event.

“This is our biggest SEA Games delegation yet,” declared Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Abraham Tolentino, signaling a bold new chapter in the country’s sporting legacy. 

This monumental team will compete in an astonishing 574 events across 50 sports, nearly doubling the 905 athletes who showcased their talents at the 2023 Phnom Penh Games. Prior to this, the largest Philippine contingent had consisted of 1,115 members during the home games in 2019.