Sabrina Ionescu
WNBA champion and basketball icon Sabrina Ionescu recently made her first-ever visit to Manila as part of her international tour, bringing with her a message of perseverance and steady progress for the development of women’s basketball in the Philippines.
Having witnessed firsthand the meteoric rise of women’s basketball in North America—including the record-breaking success of the WNBA last season—Ionescu shared her insights on what it takes to nurture and elevate the game. As the landscape of women’s hoops in the Philippines continues to expand, she emphasized the importance of consistent effort and belief in the sport’s potential.
Speaking at a panel discussion in Taguig last Monday, Ionescu urged advocates of the women’s game to stay committed to gradual improvement rather than expecting overnight success.
“It’s about showing up every single day, working toward progress, and not settling for where things stand now,” Ionescu said. “One percent better every day. It’s not an overnight transformation, but the key is to trust the process and keep pushing forward.”
She pointed to the success of women’s basketball in the United States as an example of how sustained investment and institutional backing can make a significant impact. Over the years, leagues and policymakers have actively supported the growth of women’s basketball, leading to increased visibility, funding, and opportunities for female athletes.
“In the U.S., there’s a strong belief that every community deserves the chance to develop and invest in women’s sports,” Ionescu explained. “It’s about giving young girls the resources and belief that they can achieve whatever they set their sights on—whether that’s playing professionally in the WNBA, competing overseas, or simply becoming the best version of themselves as athletes.”
The Philippines has seen encouraging strides in women’s basketball, particularly in collegiate leagues such as the UAAP, where female players are starting to make their mark. However, opportunities beyond university competition remain limited, with national team appearances and sporadic 3×3 tournaments being some of the few avenues available.
This year, a significant step forward came with the revival of the Women’s Philippine Basketball League (WPBL), a semi-professional platform designed to give female hoopers a much-needed stage to showcase their talent. While still in its early stages, the league represents a promising initiative to bolster the presence of women’s basketball in the country.
Ionescu’s visit itself contributed to the ongoing grassroots development of the sport. During her three-day stay in Manila, she actively engaged with the local basketball community by hosting a skills camp, participating in a showcase event at the iconic Smart Araneta Coliseum, and supporting a court refurbishment project in Bulacan in partnership with Girls Got Game, a sports organization dedicated to empowering young female athletes.
Her presence not only inspired aspiring Filipina ballers but also reinforced the message that long-term commitment and belief in women’s basketball will be key to its growth in the Philippines. As the country continues to build on its progress, the words and actions of global basketball figures like Ionescu serve as a reminder that great things take time—and with consistent effort, the future of Filipina basketball looks bright.
