New Zealand Blufire-Batangas and RK Hoops-Quezon City posted contrasting victories to kick off the historic first professional season of the 2025 Women’s Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (WMPBL) Regular Season presented by Akari late Sunday at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
The Valkyries opened the festivities with a dominant performance, dismantling the Tagaytay-Tol Patriots in a 30-point rout, 86–56. On the other hand, RK Hoops-QC edged Solar Home-Pangasinan Suns in a thrilling 71–68 finish to cap an eventful opening day.
It was a fitting start for the WMPBL’s inaugural professional campaign, a landmark moment for Philippine women’s basketball under the leadership of commissioner Haydee Ong and president John Kallos.
Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas executive director Erika Dy, along with members of the Gilas Pilipinas women’s team bound for the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup, graced the occasion to show support for the league’s milestone moment.
“Today is proof that we are a nation where women can rise, where women can lead, and where women can compete even in sports. We witnessed that truth come alive today in this court,” Dy said.