GAB approves first ever women's pro basketball league in the Philippines

Female ballers in the Philippines now have a league they can call home.

The Women's National Basketball League (WNBL) on Wednesday announced that they have secured the approval of the Games and Amusement Board (GAB) as the first ever professional league for women in the country.

In a press conference, Executive Vice-President Rhose Montreal said the league plans to market itself by showing the skills of the players and not their skin.

"I believe there is a surplus of talented women ballers in the Philippines," she said. "For us, we don't care about their gender preferences, we don't care whether they sport short hair or long hair."

The development is a boost to the women's game, especially after Gilas Pilipinas Women won the national team's first ever Southeast Asian Games gold medal in December.

The WNBL currently has seven teams: Parañaque Lady Aces, Laguna Lady Pistons, Philippine Navy, Philippine Air Force, Taguig Lady Generals, Pampanga Delta Amazons, and the Cleon and Clyde Lady Snipers.

The National Basketball League (NBL) for the men is also turning pro after two years as an amateur sports league. —MGP, GMA News