Pinay Ballers League
Pinay Ballers League, abbreviated as PiBaLeague, is a women's basketball league based in the Philippines. It was formed in 2014 by Ewon’s Sports Association, Inc., a group of local women's basketball stakeholders, They were led by former Adamson Falcons player Merenciana "Ewon" Arayi, captain of the Philippines women's national basketball team in the 2015 Southeast Asian Games. The PiBaLeague aims to give women basketball players, who have played on the national team or in collegiate leagues, a chance to play after college and start a semi-professional career.[1][2]
| Sport | Basketball (Women's) |
|---|---|
| Founded | August 2014 |
| Inaugural season | 2014 |
| President | Ewon Arayi |
| Commissioner | Editha Botecario |
| No. of teams | 8 teams (2016 Aspirants) |
| Country |  Philippines |
| Continent | Asia |
| Most recent champion(s) | Philippine Air Force (2016 Elite) |
| Official website | Official Facebook page |
The PiBaLeague is part of an attempt to form a professional women's basketball league in the Philippines, following the now-defunct WPBL, the counterpart of the men's league, Philippine Basketball League.[3]
The league has two divisions. The Elite Division is for players who have finished their collegiate careers. The Developmental division is for players who work for BPOs and call center companies, and those players who are not playing well but have continued playing.[3] The PiBALeague also conducts clinics and outreach programs in the provinces for girls who seek a basketball career. The Philippine Sports Commission supports the League through the Women-in-Sports program.[2][4]
The funding and operational costs of the league (including officiating, venues, and security) come from the entrance fee of the league's teams and from the league's sponsors, which are small and medium-sized companies including Ever Bilena.[2]
The league held its latest tournament in 2018.
See also
References
- Terrado, Reuben (October 20, 2014). "Finally, a post-college opportunity for women basketball players as Pinay Ballers League takes off". Sports Interactive Network Philippines. Retrieved February 24, 2016.
- Murillo, Michael Angelo (February 12, 2015). "Women's basketball: A (Pinay Ballers) league of their own". BusinessWorld. Retrieved February 24, 2016.
- Joble, Rey (May 17, 2015). "A new league for Pinay Ballers soon". BusinessWorld. Retrieved February 24, 2016.
- "18-team Pinay Ballers League gets under way Nov. 8". The Philippine Star. November 5, 2014. Retrieved February 24, 2016.