Basketball

Excited For UAAP’s Return? Here’s What You Need to Know About Season 86

By Annika Caniza - September 20, 2023

Are you ready for UAAP Season 86? Here’s what you need to know about the events, when it starts, and how you can watch all the action.

Fiery rivalries, unexpected comebacks, huge upsets, underdog stories, fresh talent — these are just some of the reasons why Filipino sports fans can never seem to get enough of University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) sporting action and what makes every season one that thousands look forward to every year.

UAAP Season 85 was arguably one of the seasons that many were excited for, largely due to the fact that the season prior to this was a trimmed-down version of the event to give way to restrictions during the pandemic. But Season 85 brought the major tournament back in full force. Now, Season 86 will be looking to push the competition even further.

Will we get new overall champions this year? Who among the rookies will impress? Which squads will have the most unexpected outcomes? We’ve got a long season ahead before our questions will be answered, but until then, here’s what you need to know about UAAP Season 86.

UE is hosting the tournament

University of the East lifts the torch as hosts of UAAP Season 86
(Photo credit: UAAP on Facebook)

The University of the East (UE) will be hosting UAAP Season 86, and as the hosts, they revealed that this season’s theme will be “Fueling the Future.” As the biggest collegiate multi-sport competition in the Philippines, UE’s chosen theme reminds us that the emerging talents in the UAAP events show us the potential future of Philippine sports.

Apart from celebrating the up-and-coming talents of the country, UE is also fueling the future of the UAAP, as they shared that they have been in talks about adding new sporting events to the tournament. Although they have yet to confirm what new events will be added, this is definitely something sports fans should keep an eye out for.

While we wait to hear more about the new sporting events, there is one thing you can expect: the full UAAP calendar will be back again. Season 85 saw the first full season ever since the pandemic. Season 86 will continue this momentum as all eight schools will return to full onsite, in-person mode post-pandemic.

Which events are you most excited to watch?

Season 86 starts on September 30

The Ateneo Blue Eagles celebrate as champions of the men's basketball tournament of UAAP Season 85
(Photo credit: UAAP Media)

UAAP Season 86 will start on September 30, officially kicking off with arguably the most popular event of the entire tournament: the men’s basketball competition.

Every year, the men’s basketball competition is one of, if not the most highly anticipated UAAP events, evident in how the teams’ fans pack the stands throughout the entire tournament. Last season saw a nail-biting showdown that concluded with an action-packed finals series between the Ateneo Blue Eagles and the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons, which ultimately saw the Blue Eagles lifting the coveted trophy.

Season 86’s basketball tilt will begin on September 30 in the Mall of Asia Arena. The schedule of the other exciting events on the UAAP calendar is still set to be released, but the tournament is expected to go on until next year.

Here’s how you can watch

DLSU Lady Spiker Angel Canino celebrates a successful point in the UAAP Season 85 women's volleyball tournament
(Photo credit: UAAP Media)

With up to 60 events in 21 sports in both the senior and junior divisions, following the UAAP means following a ton of games, matches, and showdowns. But thankfully, although not all of the events are televised, you can still catch as much collegiate sporting action as possible on different platforms.

On TV, you can catch UAAP Season 86 on the One Sports channel, or if you’re a Cignal subscriber, on the UAAP Varsity Channel. But, if you’re a UAAP fan who’s frequently on the go, you can subscribe to Pilipinas Live, a sports streaming platform you can access from anywhere, as long as you have a device with you.

Are you ready for UAAP?

Banner images from UAAP Media.


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