The Pinoyliga Cup basketball tournament is strengthening its role in developing the Philippines’ top collegiate basketball players, while also giving former college superstars the opportunity to represent their schools once again in the upcoming 2026 season.
Power 7 Tournaments: A Chance to Prove Yourself
Every year, a new season begins, which features seven tournaments allowing every hooper to prove to everyone that they are the best.
League Founder, Benny Benitez, has certainly given equal opportunity to everyone who is passionate about the sport.
- NEXT MAN Cup (Season 5) – This would be the first tournament for the league come January 2026, as it features teams from UAAP and NCAA schools battle other young and developing leagues like the NAASCU, ISAA, and NCRAA.
- Global Invitationals (Season 3) – Much like the Basketball Champions League Asia (BCL), Dubai International Basketball Championship (DIBC) and Jones Cup, the Philippines has created their own mini international pocket tournament where top collegiate teams from the country will battle other universities from the USA, Japan, Taiwan and South Korea.
- Women’s Cup (Season 3) – In a country where there’s only been one particular women’s basketball league, the PinoyLiga has allowed more Filipina basketball players to showcase their talent as ball clubs WMPBL, NCAA, UAAP battle it all out as well as reinforcing each squad with a former/current player from the Gilas Pilipinas women’s team.
- Collegiate Cup (Season 6) – Perhaps the second biggest tournament for the league as it includes not only the Team A of NCAA and UAAP, but also the NAASCU, ISAA, NCRAA, giving fans one of the best forms of college basketball entertainment
- The Big Dance (Season 2) – Making its debut this 2025, the Philippine version of the ‘US NCAA March Madness’ has been made with the Adamson University Soaring Falcons being the inaugural champions beating the College of Saint Benilde Blazers with Cedrick Manzano named Finals MVP. Come 2026, it would arguably be the best collegiate competition in the country.
- Juniors Cup (Season 2) – This tournament allows High School varsity students to get the best experience in their early basketball career.
- Alumni Cup (Season 6) – Probably the best competition for nostalgia, former top collegiate players can again represent their schools and battle fellow alumni, and revive a rivalry.
Alumni Cup – A Way to Reconnect with Old Friends and Rivals
November 29, Rebanse was given an opportunity to attend the games of Mapúa University versus De La Salle University as well as the Colegio de San Juan de Letrán against the University of the East.
Rebanse was also given a chance to exclusively interview the newly named Commissioner of the league, Gerry Esplana.
“Maganda, very nostalgic. Especially, I was impressed with UE considering wala yung mga big stars eh. They almost won eh. Yun ang aabangan ng mga fans kapag nag datingan na yung mga stars.”
The UE Red Warriors made their match against the Knights very interesting as they almost made a come-from-behind win in a game where they were trailing all night long.
The PBA Legend also hinted that the big names have not yet suited up for the Red Warriors, hinting at the possibility of fellow PBA Legend and a superstar in the Magnolia Hotshots franchise, James Yap, playing soon, considering he is in the lineup.
And when asked the importance of this tournament, the former PBA 1990 Rookie of the Year and 2x time champion responded:
“It is very important wherein yung mga ex-pros and ex-collegiate players come together again to have their own bond and to play together again. They are also returning to inspire the fans and thank their schools.”
And when asked what he is looking forward to the most for the league come 2026, he answered:
“Well this is the 6th year, I look forward for more years dito sa PinoyLiga Cup.”
Overall Thoughts: Past and Present of Philippine Basketball Cross Paths
Overall, what Benny Benitez has started has a long-term vision of being one of the most tuned-in collegiate tournaments in the country soon.
Sure, they cannot beat both the NCAA and UAAP, but they certainly can get the third spot in the most anticipated basketball event for college fans.
In the end, this is more than just seeing who’s the best basketball university in the Philippines every time the NCAA battles the UAAP; it’s about appreciating the number of talented basketball players we have in this country as they showcase their skills in proving why they are the best at what they do.
