The Women’s Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League is set to make history as it tips off its inaugural tournament on Sunday, Jan. 19, at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion Arena.

The opener features a clash between the UST Growling Tigresses and Discovery Perlas, with tip-off scheduled for 4 p.m.

Admission to the games is free.

The Growling Tigresses, fresh off their runner-up finish in the UAAP Season 86, are eager to return to the court with renewed determination.

UST aims to give senior star Tacky Tacatac a memorable send-off, showcasing their grit and discipline under head coach Ged Austria.

“Niremind ko yung players ko na kahit sa labas, ate niyo sila at kilala niyo sila sa labas ng court. Pagdating sa loob, laban dapat. Kailangan madiin at madisiplina pa rin,” said Austria.

Standing in their way is Discovery Perlas, a team bolstered by veterans of the game.

Leading the Perlas squad is UST assistant coach Allana Lim, joined by the likes of Raiza Palmera-Dy, Fats Tolentino, AA Adriano, Tantoy Ferrer, AJ Gloriani, and Nikki Villasin.

Discovery head coach Angelina Fedillaga, herself a former UST standout, expressed excitement over the opportunity to participate in this historic league.

“Talagang very happy and very proud na makasama ako dito. Sabi ko nga sana sa players ko na if puwede pa ako makalaro, gagawin ko dahil ito yung dream namin as women's players,” Fedillaga said.

The Perlas coach acknowledged the challenge of facing a young UST team led by UAAP Mythical Team member Kent Pastrana, Tacatac, and debuting Nigerian student-athlete Oma Onianwa.

“Very excited ako to play against UST. We are playing against a very young team. Ang problema namin is pareho kami ng system kaya ginawa ko is to add more systems and play to be a little bit more different sa kanila in preparation for the game,” added Fedillaga, a former Tigress herself.

The inaugural tournament, supported by Manny Pacquiao, Senator Francis Tolentino, and the MPBL Partylist, will begin with an opening ceremony featuring a parade of all 14 participating teams.

League chairman Manny Pacquiao, president John Kallos, and commissioner Haydee Ong will grace the event, with Pacquiao set to throw the ceremonial jump ball for the opening game.

Also seeing action are the PSP Gymers against the Imus Sis-VBL Lady Magdalo at 6 p.m., followed by the Cavite-Tol Patriots and the La Salle legends-bannered New Zealand-Bluefire Valkyries tussle at 8 p.m

The league is also supported by Uratex, Discovery Suites, Red Dynasty, Gotobox, Gerry’s Grill, Prettiest, Team Graphitee, Evo Performance Helmets, Ryzen Helmets, Katinko, Dorayd, Sogo Hotel, Global Bosny Manufacturing, and Bavin.