The Women’s Philippine Basketball League (WPBL) will give female players competition to look forward to after college.

Through the years, extending their playing days once school eligibility expired has disappointed many outstanding collegiate athletes who are not in men’s basketball.

Take for example Marion Rocha who played for Ateneo de Manila University from 1996 to 1999. She has a reliable medium-range shot and is still in basketball shape. She would have tried out for the WPBL if not for the age limit.

There’s no doubt Rocha and the women players of her time would have tried to make it to a post-college league if there was one then on a regular basis. She is nevertheless delighted with the WPBL.

“This will be an opportunity for players to re-immerse themselves in a competitive league after college,” she explains. “After graduation, female ballers are left with alumni or corporate leagues put up for fun, although many still want to play and be competitive.”

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There are not many sports that offer a long-term playing career. To continue playing and even aspire for the national team of their disciplines, college athlete alumni often head to clubs or the Armed Forces to find teams and competition.

Many want to continue competing but the need to make a living or take care of a family can alter plans dramatically. Some coach part-time in schools or become gym instructors while trying to stay connected to their sport.

The WPBL will address that problem in women’s basketball and should be beneficial for the sport at all levels.

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Sportscaster Patricia Bermudez-Hizon believes the league will inspire a higher level of collegiate play because “players will have a future.” Excitement should also not be a problem, as she discovered while covering the WNCAA, because women are passionate players.

On another front, Philippine Daily Inquirer sportswriter Jasmine W. Payo feels the WPBL will meet the need for regular tournaments, the lack of which is a reason “why the Philippine women’s team hasn’t been competitive internationally.”

Although the Philippine team has scored victories overseas, a sustained tournament will provide a platform to scout players and keep them competitive before forming a national team.

In fact, one of the main goals of the WPBL is to form a strong women’s team that can pave the way for a rare double gold medal in the Southeast Asian Games along with the men.

Enthusiasm for the new league has been encouraging as companies and schools have responded to invitations for tie-ups with teams. PBL executive director Butch Maniego revealed that over a hundred players reported for the tryout last weekend.

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PBL commissioner Chino Trinidad announced that his staff will provide the same organizational, media and promotional support it gives the men’s league. For instance, games will be played in schools or as part of the regular schedule of men’s games.

TV coverage of the games is being planned. It wouldn’t be surprising to see an all-female broadcast team doing the games as there are many capable play-by-play women like Bermudez-Hizon and analysts as well.

The WPBL is an idea worth reviving. It will provide a template to introduce real change in sports. Which other sports will follow this lead?