Watch Party to celebrate NBA on Disney+

 

The NBA. On Disney+

NBA mania reached fever pitch in the Philippines on Thursday morning as Disney+ officially kicked off the 2026-27 NBA season with an exclusive watch party featuring one of the most awaited clashes of the year: the Golden State Warriors taking on the Los Angeles Lakers.

Bringing NBA fans closer to the hardcourt action than ever before, the marquee showdown streamed live as part of Disney+ Philippines’ Super Sports Week from October 19-25, officially launching ESPN on Disney+ in the country and delivering high-quality broadcasts, commentary and expert analysis across the sports season where available, alongside Disney+ general entertainment and family programming. 

With its new brand campaign, Ito ang Homecourt Mo!, ESPN on Disney+ welcomes sports fans in the Philippines to a new home ground for the games, stories and moments they follow every day. Subscribers can access live events, on-demand replays, studio shows, documentaries and original programming together in one dedicated destination through ESPN on Disney+. 

Aside from the NBA opening games on Disney+, subscribers can also stream all Christmas Day games, including a rematch of last year’s NBA Finals between the San Antonio Spurs and New York Knicks, as well as the Los Angeles Lakers against the Philadelphia 76ers, with LeBron James facing his former team. The excitement continues into the postseason, with Playoff games from the First Round through the Conference Semifinals and Conference Finals. The Western Conference Finals will stream live on Disney+, while the Eastern Conference Finals and NBA Finals will be available on demand.  

Beyond live games, fans can enjoy ESPN NBA studio shows and NBA-produced programming, including NBA Tip-Off, Inside the NBA, NBA Countdown, NBA Today, and NBA Action.

Experience ESPN on Disney+ in one click through the ESPN hub, accessible via the ESPN navigation tab by downloading the new Disney+ app now.

Ateneo, NU formalize UAAP Women's Badminton postseason berths

UAAP Season 89 Women's Badminton Standings
*Ateneo 3–0
*NU 3–0
UP 2–1
AdU 1–2
UST 0–3
DLSU 0–3
* – Final Four

Ties Wednesday at Gameville Central Park
8 a.m. – Ateneo vs NU (Men's)
8 a.m. – DLSU vs UP (Men's)
8 a.m. – UST vs AdU (Men's)
1 p.m. – Ateneo vs UP (Women's)
1 p.m. – UST vs NU (Women's)
1 p.m. – DLSU vs AdU (Women's)

Last season’s finalists Ateneo de Manila University and National University secured the first two spots in the UAAP Season 89 Women’s Badminton Team Event Final Four following victories over the University of Santo Tomas and Adamson University, respectively, on Tuesday at Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong City.

Both squads showed that familial connections matter, with sisters Althea and Andrea Hernandez leading the Blue Eagles to a 5–0 sweep of the Lady Shuttlers, while cousins Hailene Diaz and Naeomi Gulpany helped the Lady Bulldogs advance with a 4-1 decision over the Lady Falcons.

Andrea and Althea Hernandez continued their winning run with a 21–11, 21–18 victory, complementing the singles wins of Angel Valle and Jochelle Alvarez to secure Ateneo’s semifinal ticket.

Valle continued to build on her renewed confidence, taking the opener, 21–10, 21–10, over Angelica Racca before Alvarez made it 2–0 with a dominant 21–8, 21–12 win over Hanie De Jesus.

"So far, it's good na napakita namin 'yung napag-trainingan namin. Going into the Final Four, it will be challenging kasi nga mga top universities na rin ang andoon. I think I'm excited to show what we have trained for ng isang buong taon siguro. Excited and at the same time kinakabahan," said former co-captain Alvarez.

The defending champions will still face fellow contenders University of the Philippines and NU in the coming days, but the senior stalwart hopes the team will approach those battles the Ateneo way.

"Like what Coach Kennie (Asuncion-Robles) always says, huwag namin tignan yung result, but instead tignan muna namin kung sino yung katapat namin. Focusing kami in each rally at a time and to show who we are and what we can do," the UAAP Season 86 co-MVP shared.

With the tie already decided, the Blue Eagles completed the sweep as Daena Castro and Arkeexa Ojera rallied past Christine Dorega and Harlene Herbabuena, 9–21, 21–10, 21–14, to give Ateneo a 4–0 advantage. Captain Althea Ocampo then completed the rout with a 21–10, 21–9 victory over Angel Vitangcol.

For their part, Diaz and Gulpany shook off the pressure to deliver another victory for NU, defeating Jennifer Ondol and Rheylyn Pedron, 21–15, 21–15, to clinch the Lady Bulldogs’ place in the knockout stage.

Sab Amora won the second singles match for NU, beating Abby Barcelona, 21–12, 21–15, to put the Lady Bulldogs within one win of the semifinal spot with a 2–0 lead.

"After do'n sa win against UP, masaya kami sa naging result, pero hindi lang naman 'yun ang kaya namin. Mas gusto pa po naming i-push, kagaya po ngayon," said the graduating captain.

"Aminado po ako na hindi lang 'yon tiyamba, kung may nagsasabi man ng ganoon. Ipo-prove namin na mas kaya namin ngayon kasi alam namin na ginawa namin 'yung best namin sa training," Amora, the 2024 Philippine National Badminton Open runner-up, said of the team’s first-ever Finals appearance last season.

Gweneth Chiva set the tone for NU with a 21–18, 21–5 victory over Jiezel Del Rosario, but Mary Destiny Untal and Jasmine Reformina pulled one back for Adamson by defeating Lee-Ann Jade De Leon and Tia Bualat, 21–8, 21–15, in the first doubles match.

That proved to be Adamson’s only win, as cousins Diaz and Gulpany restored NU’s advantage. Karyll Rio then defeated Rosheila Quierez, 22–24, 21–19, 21–15, to seal the tie for the Lady Bulldogs.

Meanwhile, the University of the Philippines bounced back with a dominant 5–0 sweep of De La Salle University to move closer to the Final Four with a 2–1 record.

Rookie Cindee Marchan made an impressive UAAP debut, teaming up with Season 87 MVP Anthea Gonzalez for a 21–11, 21–14 victory over Alphecca Espe and Venice Salapong in 32 minutes.

Susmita Ramos and Pat De Leon had earlier given the Fighting Maroons a 2–0 lead. Ramos needed 33 minutes to secure a 21–8, 21–11 win over Erin Vitangcol, while De Leon made quick work of Lady Tuario, 21–11, 21–14.

Krissa De Leon and Kimberly Lao extended UP’s lead to 4–0 with a 21–12, 21–11 victory over Ghiselle Bautista and Athena Villanueva.

Last season’s Rookie of the Year, Brys Fuggan, then returned to the court with a swift 21–6, 21–18 win over Kim Lagare to complete the sweep.

UP will try to join Ateneo and NU in securing a Final Four berth on Wednesday when it takes on the defending champions at 1 p.m.

Sprite taps Jokic, Edwards to lead its platform for upcoming NBA season

Joker. Ant. Sprite.

In a country where 62% of Filipinos consider themselves NBA fans  and represent the 3rd largest viewing audience globally , Sprite officially unveils its new global platform, “Never Stop Refreshing the Game,” with the addition of three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokić to its global basketball athlete roster alongside superstar Anthony Edwards.

Sprite is doubling down on its basketball legacy on a global stage. Earlier this year, Sprite announced its return as the NBA's Official Global Soft Drink.

For decades, Sprite has sat at the intersection of sport, fashion, music, and culture. Since first partnering with the NBA in 1986, Sprite has remained a constant presence in basketball culture, connecting with generations of players and fans through iconic campaigns, unforgettable moments, and partnerships that reflect the sport's evolution. From neighborhood courts to the game's biggest stages, Sprite has continued to show up wherever basketball culture moves next.

"Sprite has a long history of championing the athletes, creators, and communities that define basketball culture. In the Philippines, basketball isn't just a sport—it’s woven into our everyday lives, from neighborhood street courts to national watch parties," said Mikey Rosales, Senior Director for Sparkling Flavors, Coca-Cola Philippines. "'Never Stop Refreshing the Game' is our tribute to that pure passion. We’re bringing Filipino fans closer to the action than ever before, delivering the unmistakable refreshment of Sprite on and off the court alongside exclusive NBA rewards, digital experiences, community court refurbishments, and unmissable moments. Partnering with game-changers like Nikola Jokić and Anthony Edwards allows us to keep pushing the culture forward and refresh how fans experience the sport they love every single day."

Two Icons with the Drive to Keep Refreshing the Game

To ignite its next era in basketball, Sprite is bringing together two of the game's most dynamic forces. While Nikola Jokić and Anthony Edwards represent distinct paths to greatness, they share a singular instinct: a refusal to settle and a relentless drive to evolve the sport.

• Nikola Jokić, freshly named the #1 player for the 2026–27 NBA season in ESPN’s NBA Rank for the third consecutive year*, brings masterclass precision, an unselfish high-IQ playstyle, and massive international reach that bridges fans from North America to Europe and beyond.
• Anthony Edwards, Olympic gold medalist and four-time NBA All Star, brings explosive athleticism, clutch shot-making, and an electric charisma that has made him the undeniable face of basketball’s next generation.

“Basketball brings people around the world together,” said three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokić. "Sprite has been part of the story for decades and I’m excited to partner with them to continue bringing the game to the next generation.”
 
Anthony Edwards adds: "From Anta Claus to Obey Your Thirst, Sprite’s been cooking up some of the best campaigns that will live on forever. ‘Never Stop Refreshing the Game’ is no different, reminding every player out there to give it their all and stay true to who they are every time they step on the court.”
 
Growing Wherever the Game Goes

By expanding its footprint across the NBA Global Games, Sprite is meeting fans where the sport is being redefined. Through immersive experiences and exclusive promotions, the brand will bring fans closer to the game, including at the NBA Mexico City Game 2026, when Nikola Jokić and the Denver Nuggets face the Indiana Pacers, as well as the NBA Manchester and Paris Games in early 2027.

The game is changing, and Sprite is leading the play.

Disney+ set to be the new homecourt of Filipino sports fans

Sports on Disney+

Disney+ is bringing even more excitement to sports fans with ESPN on Disney+ now available in the Philippines with blockbuster matchups, unmissable moments and a wide line-up of live sports action for subscribers. Available through the new Disney+ app and included as part of existing subscriptions, ESPN on Disney+ gives fans access to a dedicated ESPN hub via the ESPN navigation tab.

Launching alongside the new brand campaign, Ito ang Homecourt Mo!, ESPN on Disney+ welcomes sports fans in the Philippines to a new home ground for the games, stories and moments they follow every day. Subscribers can access live events, on-demand replays, studio shows, documentaries and original programming together in one dedicated destination through ESPN on Disney+.

Production and coverage will be led by ESPN, delivering high-quality broadcasts, commentary and expert analysis across the sports season where available, alongside Disney+ general entertainment and family programming.

“The Philippines is an incredibly important sports market in Asia Pacific, with a deep-rooted passion for basketball and combat sports and a fan base that brings tremendous energy to the region's sports culture,” said Kylie Watson-Wheeler, Head of ESPN, Asia Pacific. “As we continue to expand ESPN's presence across Asia Pacific, the Philippines plays a key role in that growth. Bringing ESPN to Disney+ allows us to build on that passion, connecting Filipino fans with more of the sports, athletes and stories they love, while strengthening ESPN's position as a leading sports destination across the region.”

National Basketball Association (NBA) 
Following last season’s success, the NBA returns to ESPN on Disney+ for fans in the Philippines, with marquee matchups during NBA Tip-Off Week. On October 22, the Minnesota Timberwolves are scheduled to take on the Miami Heat, followed by the Golden State Warriors against the Los Angeles Lakers. The action continues on October 23 as the Cleveland Cavaliers face the Philadelphia 76ers and the Oklahoma City Thunder meet the Denver Nuggets. Across the season, fans can follow live games featuring favourite teams including the Los Angeles Lakers, Golden State Warriors, Philadelphia 76ers and Boston Celtics.

Subscribers can also stream all Christmas Day games, including a rematch of last year’s NBA Finals between the San Antonio Spurs and New York Knicks, as well as the Los Angeles Lakers against the Philadelphia 76ers, with LeBron James facing his former team. The excitement continues into the postseason, with Playoff games from the First Round through the Conference Semifinals and Conference Finals. The Western Conference Finals will stream live on Disney+, while the Eastern Conference Finals and NBA Finals will be available on demand.

Beyond live games, fans can enjoy ESPN NBA studio shows and NBA-produced programming, including NBA Tip-Off, Inside the NBA, NBA Countdown, NBA Today, and NBA Action.

Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC®) 
As mixed martial arts continues to surge in popularity across the Philippines, UFC and ESPN are teaming up to bring fans in the Philippines closer to the UFC through ESPN on Disney+. The action kicks off at UFC 333 in Abu Dhabi scheduled on October 25, where two world championship titles are expected to be on the line: UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski takes on undefeated No. 1-ranked contender Movsar Evloev, and UFC bantamweight champion Petr Yan defends against former champion and No. 1-ranked Merab Dvalishvili.

Alongside live UFC numbered events and UFC Fight Nights, fans will have access to a library of classic fights and curated UFC content, as well as original and behind-the-scenes programming including UFC Countdown, UFC Connected, UFC Main Event, UFC Fight Flashback, UFC Reloaded, and ROAD TO UFC, the breakout tournament offering Asia-Pacific's top professional MMA prospects a direct pathway to UFC. Together, the line-up brings elite MMA athletes, compelling matchups and stories behind the fights to one dedicated destination.

A New Home Ground for Sports
Other notable sports programming will include the Formula E 2026/27 season, with practice, qualifying and main races across 21 rounds in 13 host cities; NCAA events, including March Madness; and Australia’s National Basketball League (NBL), with all games live across the regular season and championship series. ESPN’s 30 for 30 documentaries will continue to be available on Disney+. The line-up also features ESPN studio shows, including ESPN FC and Pardon the Interruption.

“We’re thrilled ESPN on Disney+ is now streaming for subscribers in the Philippines, bringing live sports, studio shows, documentaries, original programming and more to fans in one dedicated destination,” said Vineet Puri, Vice President and General Manager, Emerging Southeast Asia, The Walt Disney Company. “ESPN on Disney+ gives fans a new home ground for sports entertainment, with adrenaline-pumping action that is the perfect match-up with Disney+ must-stream shows and movies. With our new brand campaign, Ito ang Homecourt Mo!, we are celebrating the passion fans in the Philippines bring to every game, screen and shared conversation — all on one platform together like only Disney+ can do.”

Fans can also follow highlights, news and key moments from ESPN on Disney+ across Disney+ Philippines’ social channels throughout the season

In addition to ESPN on Disney+, subscribers in the Philippines can look forward to a strong line-up of premium Asian original content, including highly anticipated Korean Originals The Remarried Empress and Portraits of Delusion as well as more must-stream entertainment from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic and Hulu — all in one place on Disney+.

Experience ESPN on Disney+ in one click through the ESPN hub, accessible via the ESPN navigation tab by downloading the new Disney+ app now.

UP moves atop UAAP Men's Basketball leaderboard

c/o UAAP Media

Games Sunday at the Blue Eagle Gym
8 a.m. – UPIS VS Ateneo (16U)
10 a.m. – NU vs FEU (Women's)
12 p.m. – DLSU vs AdU (Women's)
2:30 p.m. – NU vs FEU (Men's)
6 p.m. – DLSU vs AdU (Men's)

University of the Philippines avoided an upset against a hot-shooting University of the East, pulling away for a 91-81 victory to close out the first round of the UAAP Season 89 Collegiate Men’s Basketball Tournament with three straight wins on Saturday at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.

The Fighting Maroons’ victory gave them the provisional lead with a 5-2 record, ahead of the idle FEU Tamaraws and NU Bulldogs, both at 4-2.

The result also extended the Red Warriors’ (0-7) losing streak to 27 games dating back to Season 87, pushing them further into the record books for futility. UE’s skid now matches the second-longest in league history, tying the 27-game losing streak of the UP Fighting Maroons from Seasons 75 to 77.

The Adamson University Falcons from Seasons 62 to 65 still hold the record for the longest losing streak, with 35 consecutive defeats from 1999 to 2002.

Despite the come-from-behind victory that extended UP’s season-best winning streak, head coach Goldwin Monteverde emphasized the need for his team to get off to better starts.

“Actually naunahan kami ng UE in a way. That’s one test for the team, coming from behind, playing tough defense para makabalik sa game. Along the way siyempre kailangan namin matuto to start strong. I guess as we go along sa season, we’ll learn to do those,” said Monteverde.

UP’s winning streak began after back-to-back losses to Far Eastern University and National University.

Trailing 61-65 late in the third quarter, graduating marksman Chicco Briones and Elliot Dimaculangan combined for 12 unanswered points to put the Fighting Maroons ahead, 73-65, heading into the final period.

The Red Warriors refused to back down, however, as Toper Lagat knocked down two triples in the payoff period to keep UE within five points, 81-86, with 2:55 remaining. Those would prove to be the Red Warriors’ final points as they remained winless this season.

UE, which shot 38 percent from the field and sank 12 three-pointers, led by as many as 10 points late in the second quarter, 43-33. UP, however, trimmed the deficit to just three at halftime, 45-48.

Transferee wingman James Payosing led seven Fighting Maroons in double figures with 16 points and 12 rebounds.

Briones added 13 points, shooting a perfect 3-of-3 from beyond the arc, while Gani Stevens contributed 12 points, nine rebounds, and two blocks.

Veejay Pre also turned in an all-around performance with 11 points, seven rebounds, and six assists. Dimaculangan matched his scoring output with 11 points, five rebounds, three assists, and two steals.

Noy Remogat and Dikachi Ududo, who have helped keep the Fighting Maroons unbeaten since taking over the spot from fellow Nigerian Francis Nnoruka, chipped in 10 points apiece.

UP dominated inside, outscoring UE 40-16 in the paint, while also capitalizing on its trips to the free-throw line, converting 30 of 46 attempts. The Red Warriors, meanwhile, went 13-of-21 from the stripe.

Lagat continued to be the bright spot for UE, finishing with 26 points and five assists, while Mo Tañedo chipped in 14 points, four rebounds, and three assists.

Cole Cruz-Dumont added 10 points in the losing effort.

Backup big man Dexter Santos was ejected with 34.3 seconds remaining after striking Ududo on the back of the head during a box-out play.

The Scores:

UP (91) – Payosing 16, Briones 13, Stevens 12, Pre 11, Dimaculangan 11, Remogat 10, Ududo 10, Yñiguez 4, Bayla 2, Alter 2, Franco 0, Palanca 0.

UE (81) – Lagat 26, Tañedo 14, Cruz-Dumont 10, Sabroso 9, Carillo 9, Vazquez 7, Jimenez 4, Robles 2, Edoukou 0, Mascariñas 0, Santos 0, Dungca 0, Apostol 0, Perez 0, Javier 0.

Quarterscores: 21-25, 45-48, 73-65, 91-81.

Nine Filipinos set for YOG participation

As shared by the POC Media

IT’S on to the Youth Olympic Games (YOG) in Dakar for nine young athletes aged no older than 17 seeing action in the games’ fourth edition set October 31 to November 13.

“They are the future Olympians, future world champions and the Dakar YOG will provide them the platform to follow the footsteps of the Diazes and Yulos,” said Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, referring to the country’s Olympic gold medalists Hidilyn Diaz-Naranjo and Carlos Yulo.

Carrying the country’s colors in Dakar are Pi Durden Wangkay (men’s 200m) and Naomi Marjorie Caesar (women’s 800m) in athletics, Jamesray Mishael Ajido (men’s 100m butterfly) and Riannah Chantelle Coleman (women’s 100m breaststroke) in aquatics, Maritanya Krog (women's road and individual time trial) in cycling, Tchelzy Maayo and Hillarion Palles III in artistic gymnastics, Angel Polo (women's Taijiquan combined) in wushu and Jade Justiniane in windsurfing of sailing.

Philippine Taekwondo Association secretary-general Rocky Samson is the Chef de Mission to the YOG that are also staged every four years (Singapore 2010, Nanjing 2014 and Buenos Aires 2018) line the Summer Olympics—the Dakar edition is the first time that an Olympics event is being held on African soil.

The YOG come off the heels of the Aichi-Nagoya 20th Asian Games where the country posted an improved performance with four gold, nine silver and 16 bronze medals, and before the Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games in Riyadh from December 13 to 21.

The Philippines has so far two medals in the YOG—Luis Gabriel Moreno won a gold medal in mixed international team event of archery with China’s Li Jiaman in Nanjing and Christian Tio silver in boys’ twin-tip racing of kiteboarding.

Some 2,700 athletes from more than 200 National Olympic Committees, including a Youth Refugee Olympic Team, are seeing action in 25 competition and 10 engagement sports.

UAAP issues suspension on Paul Du

c/o UAAP Media Team

The UAAP Basketball Commissioner’s Office has suspended National University assistant coach Paul Du from all basketball-related activities (5-on-5 and 3x3 for all divisions) for the remainder of Season 89 following an incident involving University of Santo Tomas assistant coach Arsenio Dysangco.

The suspension stems from an incident during the post-game handshake line after NU’s game against UST on Saturday, October 10, at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.

Du delivered a forceful elbow to Dysangco, causing the UST coach to fall to the floor and require medical attention.

The suspension takes effect immediately and will remain in place until the official end of the season. 

The Commissioner's Office also acknowledges that there may be additional sanctions imposed by the UAAP Board.

National University can appeal the decision.