Inaugural edition of NSAC World Invitational set for tip this weekend

NSAC

The stage is set for the inaugural NSAC World Invitational presented by the Philippine Sports Commission as eight teams from the Philippines, Japan, Taiwan, and Australia tip off three days of international basketball action on Friday, August 14, at the PhilSports Arena.

Held in partnership with the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP), the tournament brings four Philippine collegiate programs together with four international teams in a knockout competition running through August 16.

Opening day will feature four Philippines-versus-international matchups beginning at 11:00 a.m., when Filoil champion Jose Rizal University takes on Australia's Elite Stacks AUS.

San Beda University follows at 1:00 p.m. against Taiwan's National Formosa University, before NSAC champion University of Santo Tomas meets 2025 Kansai First Division champion Tenri University of Japan at 3:00 p.m.

Far Eastern University and Japan B.ONE side Fighting Eagles Nagoya wrap up the opening-day slate at 5:00 p.m in this tournament co-presented by ANTA and supported by Wilson, Smart, Gatorade, GrabFood, GrabCar, MOVE IT, Buffalo's Wings N' Things, Sundry, Manam Barbecue, Bánh Mì Kitchen, and other tournament partners.

The four winners will advance to Saturday's semifinals, scheduled for 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m., while the losing teams compete in classification games at 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.

The tournament culminates on Sunday, August 16, beginning with the seventh-place game at 11:00 a.m., followed by the fifth-place game at 1:00 p.m. and third-place game at 3:00 p.m. The inaugural NSAC World Invitational champion will be crowned in the 5:00 p.m. final.

The Philippine field features UST, San Beda, JRU, and FEU, while Fighting Eagles Nagoya and Tenri University represent Japan, National Formosa University represents Taiwan, and Elite Stacks AUS carries the Australian banner.

One Sports and One Sports+ serve as the tournament's broadcast partners. 

Tickets are available through TicketNet Online and TicketNet outlets.

Buyback program available for Decathlon customers

Decathlon holding a buyback week

Selling your old sports gear online can often feel like a sport in itself—and not a fun one. From dealing with endless "HM po?" comments and extreme lowball offers to the constant risk of getting ghosted by buyers on online marketplaces, clearing out an old bike or camping tent is exhausting for many Filipinos.

To provide a seamless, secure, and rewarding alternative, Decathlon is holding Buyback Week from August 9 to 15, 2026. During this week-long event at participating stores nationwide, Decathlon customers can bring their pre-loved Decathlon equipment directly to branches and exchange them instantly for Decathlon vouchers.
 
Participating stores—including flagship like Decathlon Pasig (Tiendesitas), Decathlon Alabang, and Decathlon North EDSA—will have dedicated Circular Economy teams ready to evaluate, making it the easiest way for Filipinos to refresh their gear just in time for their next adventure.

Seamless Experience: Say Goodbye to Marketplace Hassles

Unlike public listing sites where sellers have to take dozens of photos, write descriptions, and coordinate logistically challenging or risky meetups with strangers, Decathlonʼs Buyback takes three easy steps:

1. Get an Estimate: Visit the website to use the online assessment tool and get an initial estimate of your item's value.
2. Bring it In-Store: Head to any participating Decathlon branch during Buyback Week.
3. Claim Your Voucher: Once the physical inspection is validated by an expert teammate, walk away with your Decathlon gift card instantly.

Instant, Guaranteed Value for Your Next Adventure

Instead of waiting weeks for an online buyer to ship payment, customers receive the agreed-upon value of their gear loaded directly onto a Decathlon Gift Card the exact moment the in-store evaluation is complete.

This provides, guaranteed value that acts as immediate store credit. Whether a customer is looking to upgrade their current mountain bike, transition from home workouts to outdoor camping, or simply replenish their family's activewear collections, the vouchers offer a friction-free way to fund their next athletic milestone.

Sports Products given a Second Life

Beyond the personal convenience, Buyback is anchored heavily on an environmental mission: preserving the playground we play in.

Every piece of equipment traded into Decathlon enters the "Second Life". Decathlonʼs Circular Economy team refurbishes the gear to ensure it meets safety and quality standards. It is then placed back at a reduced price for another sports lover to enjoy.

By choosing to trade in rather than throw away, Filipino consumers actively participate in the circular economy. This extends the lifecycle of high-quality products, drastically reduces landfill waste, and minimizes the carbon emissions associated with manufacturing brand-new equipment from scratch.

How to Participate in Decathlonʼs Buyback Week (August 9-15, 2026)

Eligible items for trade-in include Decathlon-branded bicycles, tents, fitness equipment, scooters, and other major sporting gear in fully functional condition. For more information, go to
https://www.decathlon.ph/s/buy-back

Philippines cap SEAFF Juniors action with two golds

Victory for Team Philippines as (from left) Willa Galvez, Victoria Ebdane and Jodie Tan of Team A proudly hold their respective gold medals for winning the women’s team foil junior’s category in the 2026 Southeast Asian Fencing Federation (SEAFF) Cadet and Junior championship on Tuesday, August 11 at the Arena TSH OCM in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. (Photo Courtesy of Maria Ellen Campos Palafox)

Team Philippines finally found a way to get on top of the podium after the women’s foil team and the men’s saber squad ruled their respective categories in the 2026 Southeast Asian Fencing Federation (SEAFF) Cadet and Junior championship on Tuesday, August 11 at the Arena TSH OCM in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
 
The triumvirate of Victoria Ebdane, Willa Galvez and Jodie Tan joined forces to capture the women’s foil team as they downed the team from Vietnam, 44-37, in the finals.
 
After dispatching Philippines Team B of Yuna Canlas, Hagia del Castillo and Victoria Malvar in a nail-biting 29-28 triumph in the semifinals, Philippines Team A was in full control all throughout the finals match.
 
Protecting a slim 9-6 lead, the 15-year-old Galvez - a member of the multi-titled fencing team University of the East - outscored 10-1 her opponent Nguyen Thi Anh Thu on the fourth of nine bouts that gave the Philippines a comfortable 19-7 advantage.
 
Galvez, whose international participation is backed by Nickel Asia Corporation, with support from NLEX Corporation, Rain or Shine, the MVP Sports Foundation, Strong Group Athletics, Pocari Sweat and Icons Sports Management Services, accounted for 21 of the team’s total touch points.
 
Ebdane added 13 points while Tan had 10 points.
 
In men’s saber, led by national team member Khiane Felipe, with Vito Coching, Drake Chung and Matthew General, the Philippines defeated Thailand, 45-40, in the finals.
 
With the two gold medals, it added to the national junior team’s collection of two silver and four bronze medals.
 
Estelliah Gilliana, Hailey Sophia Peters, Arianna Tiu and Nadelle Turiano of Team Philippines got a silver medal in the women's saber team event.
 
Oscar del Castillo, who earned a silver medal in men’s individual epee, also had a bronze medal with Joaquin De Silos, Jacob Mayo and Boo Geronimo in men’s team epee.
 
Also earning bronze medals is Team B (Canlas, Del Castillo and Malvar) in women’s foil; Rhiana Cruz, Eleina Junia, Faith Olemos and Papina Torre in women’s epee; and Inigo Divinagracia, Lucas Palafox, Jethro Chan and Elijah Timbol in men’s foil.
 
Galvez also earned a bronze medal in women’s individual foil on Monday by beating Singapore’s Sita Naidu Maaravis, 15-14, in the quarterfinals but lost to eventual gold medalist and Malaysia’s national team member Suraya Rizzal, 15-8.

Action continues with the cadet category, with the epee, foil and sabre individuals set August 12 and 13, while the team events will be played on Aug. 14.

Overseas competition set to spice up inaugural NSAC World Invitational

 

Champions, collegiate contenders, and international talent from across the region are set to converge in Manila as eight teams from the Philippines, Japan, Taiwan, and Australia compete in the inaugural NSAC World Invitational, happening August 14 to 16 at the PhilSports Arena.

Presented in partnership with the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP), the tournament brings together four Philippine collegiate programs — University of Santo Tomas, San Beda University, Jose Rizal University, and Far Eastern University — and four international teams in Fighting Eagles Nagoya, Tenri University, National Formosa University, and Elite Stacks AUS.

The field features recent champions from both the Philippines and Japan, a top-flight Japanese professional club, one of Taiwan's leading collegiate programs, and a select Australian squad featuring players with experience across Australian and U.S. basketball.

Philippine Champions Take on International Challenge

Leading the Philippine contingent are the UST Growling Tigers, who enter the World Invitational
as the reigning NSAC champions.

UST will once again lean on NSAC Finals MVP Mark Llemit, alongside Collins Akowe and Amiel Acido, as the Growling Tigers look to carry their championship form into a considerably different challenge against international opposition.

Joining them are the San Beda Red Lions, the reigning NCAA Season 101 champions and third-place finishers in the recent NSAC.

San Beda captured its record-extending 24th NCAA men's basketball championship last season and brings a talented core featuring RC Calimag, Aldous Torculas, and Dan Marcelo into the World Invitational.

The JRU Heavy Bombers also arrive with championship momentum after capturing the 2026 Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup, defeating San Beda in the title game.

Filoil Finals MVP Lawrence Mangubat and Chris Hubilla headline a JRU side looking to carry its strong preseason form into international competition.

Completing the Philippine field are the FEU Tamaraws, who reached the quarterfinals of the recent NSAC.

FEU will feature Kirby Mongcopa, Janrey Pasaol, and Mohamed Konateh, while the World Invitational could also provide another look at highly touted incoming rookie Cabs Cabonilas.

Cabonilas enters the senior ranks after a historic UAAP juniors campaign in which he became the first player to win the UAAP Boys Basketball Season MVP and Finals MVP awards in the same season, helping FEU-Diliman capture the Season 88 championship.

Japan Sends Professional and Collegiate Champions

Japan will be represented by two teams coming from different levels of the country's basketball system.

Fighting Eagles Nagoya brings professional pedigree to Manila as a member of Japan's top-flight B1 League.

Founded in 1957, the club won the 2021–22 B2 championship before earning promotion to B1, where it has since competed against some of Japan's best professional teams.

Alongside the Fighting Eagles are Tenri University, which arrives as the reigning Kansai Collegiate Basketball Division I champion.

Tenri completed a historic 14–0 undefeated campaign in 2025, securing its first Kansai Division I championship in 12 years. The Japanese collegiate champion built that run around an imposing defense that surrendered just 58.1 points per game.

The World Invitational will offer Philippine basketball fans a rare opportunity to see Japan's professional and collegiate systems represented in the same tournament.

Taiwan's Final Four Contender Joins the Field

National Formosa University represents Taiwan after establishing itself among the country's top collegiate programs.

NFU reached the 2026 University Basketball Association Division I Final Four, eventually finishing fourth in Taiwan's premier collegiate basketball competition.

Its appearance in Manila adds another distinct basketball system to the World Invitational as NFU tests itself against Philippine, Japanese, and Australian opposition.

Elite Stacks AUS Brings Together Australian and U.S. Experience

Rounding out the international contingent is Elite Stacks AUS, a select squad formed through Elite AUS Basketball and Stacks Basketball.

Unlike the university and professional clubs in the field, Elite Stacks AUS brings together players from different programs, with its roster featuring experience across Australian basketball and the U.S. collegiate ranks.

The Australian contingent includes players connected with the Woodville Warriors, South West Slammers, West Adelaide Bearcats, and Perry Lakes Hawks, as well as U.S. collegiate programs Alabama A&M University, Highland Community College, and Western Oklahoma State College.

That combination of backgrounds gives Elite Stacks AUS a different identity from the rest of the field and another style for the Philippine teams to contend with.

Eight Teams, Four Countries

With recent champions and established programs coming from four countries, the inaugural NSAC World Invitational expands the competition beyond the domestic collegiate landscape.

UST will put its NSAC championship pedigree to the test, while San Beda and JRU enter with recent titles of their own. FEU brings a mix of established collegiate talent and emerging players.

Across the court, they will encounter a B1 professional club in Fighting Eagles Nagoya, an undefeated Japanese collegiate champion in Tenri, a Taiwanese Final Four program in National Formosa University, and the diverse roster of Elite Stacks AUS.

The NSAC World Invitational 2026 takes place from August 14 to 16 at the PhilSports Arena. Tickets are available through TicketNet.com.ph and all TicketNet outlets. One ticket provides access to all games scheduled for the day. 

La Salle kickstarts ML:BB title defense in 2026 UAAP eSports tournament

c/o UAAP Media

Games today (ML:BB) at the (MVP Studios)
10:30 a.m. - UE vs UST
12:00 p.m. - AdU vs NU
1:30 p.m. - DLSU vs Ateneo
3:00 p.m. - UST vs UE

Defending champion De La Salle University faces an early test in its bid for back-to-back titles as it opens its 2026 UAAP Mobile Legends: Bang Bang group-stage campaign against last season’s runner-up National University today (Sunday) at the MVP Studios in Mandaluyong City.

The Green Aces will immediately be tested by an NU side that reigning MVP Aaron Lim considers one of the biggest threats to their title defense.

“I think NU because they are the strongest team right now,” Lim said when asked which team poses the biggest threat to La Salle's back-to-back title bid.

The Bulldogs swept the group stage in last year's tournament and were already on match point in the championship series before the Green Aces pulled off a reverse sweep to capture the title.

NU returns this season with an even stronger résumé, having won three international collegiate tournaments: the Galaxy Gaming Academy Campus Series 2025 in Jakarta, Indonesia; the Infinix Campus Cup 2025 in Manila; and the OPPO Hyper Legend Cup 2026 in Selangor, Malaysia.

Despite entering the tournament as defending champions, La Salle is taking nothing for granted in a field that head coach Renaldo Labjata believes has become increasingly competitive.

“Lahat ng teams ngayon sa UAAP contender so ibibigay lang namin lagi best namin and ang first goal muna namin ay makapasok ng playoffs,” said Labjata, who replaced Kenneth Villa after the latter moved to the professional ranks and joined the MLBB Professional League Malaysia.

La Salle will approach its title defense with a simple mindset — remain confident and prepared while respecting every opponent.

The championship, however, has also brought a different challenge for the coaching staff, with the Green Aces now carrying the expectations that come with being the team to beat.

“Medyo mabigat kasi nandoon yung pride at ego ng players kaya need ko makuha loob nila dahil champ sila last season,” Labjata explained.

“Pero di naman sila ganon kahirap i-handle dahil open at good listener sila lahat.”

Lim, meanwhile, is approaching the Green Aces' title defense with the same caution.

The reigning MVP believes their preparations have put them in a good position to contend for another championship but stressed that last season's success gives them no reason to be overconfident.

“We’re confident because we’ve been training hard and doing our best as a team. But we know every team is also preparing, so we won’t be overconfident,” Lim said.

Lim is also embracing the added expectations that come with defending both the team championship and his MVP plum.

“I just use the pressure as motivation to do better. My mindset is to stay focused and to keep improving,” he said.

La Salle and NU will be joined by Far Eastern University and the University of the Philippines in Group A, while Adamson University, Ateneo de Manila University, University of the East, and University of Santo Tomas make up Group B.

With little room for error in a loaded Group A, the Green Aces' road to a second straight championship begins against the same Bulldogs side they had to overcome to claim the crown last season.

UAAP announces decision on Aurora incident

The University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP), upon the internal investigation of Ateneo de Manila University and upon administrative review of the publicized official reports of the Philippine National Police–Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) into the tragic deaths of student-athletes Rene Clert Baterbonia and Chukwuemeka Divine Adili during a team-building activity held in Dipaculao, Aurora on June 8, 2026, and with the representatives of Ateneo de Manila University having recused themselves from the Board’s final deliberations and decision-making to ensure the integrity of the process, the UAAP Board, in compliance with its mandate to foster educational development through amateur sports, has reached the following decisions:

1. Thomas Anthony Baldwin is PERPETUALLY BANNED from all UAAP competitions and related activities, in any coaching, administrative, advisory, or official capacity, and he is also prohibited from entering any UAAP competition venue. This sanction is final and shall not be appealable.

2. Team Manager Christopher John Quimpo, assistant coaches Dean Caesar Castaño, Sandro Nicholas Romero Soriano, Reynaldo Jacinto Jr., Hernan Ameer Domingo, Caesar Vincent Javellana Elumba, and Grant Dearns, and physical therapist John Eric Rueca shall be SUSPENDED FROM PARTICIPATION in all UAAP competitions and related activities, in any coaching, administrative, advisory, or official capacity, until further determination by the UAAP Board. During this period, they shall likewise not be permitted to enter UAAP competition venues in an official capacity. This sanction may be appealed to the UAAP Board in accordance with its applicable rules and procedures.

In its administrative review, the Board noted the findings of the investigative government agencies, which did not make any recommendation to hold liable the student-athletes present at the incident. With this, the Board also recognizes that the Ateneo men’s basketball student-athletes are themselves victims of this tragedy.

In light of these findings, the Ateneo men’s basketball team shall remain eligible to compete in UAAP Season 89, taking into consideration the expressed desire of these student-athletes to honor the memories of their fallen teammates through competition. However, as a precondition for their continued participation in the UAAP, the Board has required Ateneo de Manila University to undertake a comprehensive reassessment of the organizational structure and management of its men’s basketball team in relation to the University’s entire athletics program in order to strengthen student-athlete protection, welfare, accountability, and institutional oversight. 

The UAAP’s approach in imposing these sanctions is both protective and restorative. It is intended to ensure accountability, strengthen safeguards for the welfare and best interests of all student-athletes, address the harm caused by this incident, and reinforce the lessons learned to foster a safer and more responsible environment across the league.

The UAAP again extends its deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of Rene Clert Baterbonia and Chukwuemeka Divine Adili. Their passing is an immeasurable loss to the community.

adidas Philippines to hold activations in line with upcoming Anthony Edwards visit

Believe That

adidas is set to turn Metro Manila peach.

With the upcoming Believe That Tour that Anthony Edwards is undertaking, adidas Philippines will have some activations in place, capped off with the Anthony Edwards Fan Fest on August 15 at Bonifacio Global City.

On August 9, the 5th Avenue branch of adidas is set to be reimagined into Edwards' signature peach aesthetic, inspired by the merchandise destinations seen on global concert tours. In addition, the branch will be the only place to secure exclusive "Manila, Believe That." tees, as well as limited-edition decals designed by Charlie Salazar, and a curated selection of Anthony Edwards footwear and apparel.

The store will also serve as home to a couple of adidas Philippines two basketball SMUs this year: the AE2 "Magpakitang Gilas" and the Believe That. 1 "Tibay ng Lahi," which were both designed by Melvin Rodas.

Select adidas branches elsewhere, as well as on adidas.com.ph will also stock up on these tees and decals on a date TBD.

On August 14, in conjunction with Foot Locker, a 1v1 basketball tournament is slated to take place at the Bonifacio High Street Amphitheater called the Believe That. Challenge.

To earn the opportunity to compete, players would need to purchase either an AE2 or Believe That. 1 at select Foot Locker stores, or on footlocker.ph, as well as completing an online registration process before August 9.

The winner of the competition, which is open to the public for fans to watch and check out, will receive PhP 100,000 and gets to be personally crowned by Anthony Edwards himself. 

One can check more details here.

As mentioned above, the Anthony Edwards Fan Fest will take place on August 15 at 5th Avenue and C1 Park. Open to the public and free of charge, the event allows fans to experience a full afternoon and evening of basketball, culture, and entertainment as inspired by Edwards and his Believe That. movement.

At the Fan Fest, one will be able to check out:

• Interactive basketball challenges with exclusive tour merchandise up for grabs
• The Gamer Zone, where adiClub members can compete on NBA 2K on PlayStation 5 consoles
• Photo moments and installations created for fans to capture and share their Fan Fest experience
• Lifestyle, community, and brand activations spread throughout the festival grounds

The streets of Bonifacio Global City will also host the much-anticipated arrival of Edwards in time for the sun setting over 5th Avenue. In addition, a live stage program will be held to celebrate his first visit to the Philippines with adidas.

adidas Country Manager Dave Sexton shares, "We've always wanted to bring Anthony Edwards to the Philippines because we know how much Filipino fans connect with his personality and the way he plays the game."

He adds, "Ant represents a new generation of basketball athletes who are as influential off the court as they are on it. The Fan Fest is our way of celebrating that connection while also bringing together the incredible basketball community that makes the Philippines one of the most passionate basketball nations in the world. We're excited to give fans a chance to experience that energy firsthand in a way no other brand has done."

More details will be available on the social media platforms of adidas Philippines.