NCAA, UAAP to open simultaneously on September 7

MANILA, Philippines— The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) will open its Season 100 and Season 87, respectively, simultaneously on September 7.

The NCAA, the oldest league in the country, marks its 100 years of existence with a grand opening ceremony at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Reportedly, the NCAA will recognize its '100 Greatest Players' during its Season 100 opening ceremony.

On the other hand, the UAAP kickstarts its Season 87 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum with host school University of the Philippines looking to emphasize 'UP culture' in the opening ceremony.

Of course, both leagues will hold men's basketball games after their respective opening ceremonies.

If NCAA sticks to its tradition, its double-header will feature the defending champ San Beda Red Lions facing the hosts LPU Pirates as well as Season 99 top seed team Mapua going up against fourth seed team Saint Benilde Blazers.

On the other hand, UAAP will likely have Season 86 second seed and eventual champ De La Salle Green Archers against the third seed NU Bulldogs as well as last year's top seed and this year's hosts UP Fighting Maroons taking on the fourth seed Ateneo Blue Eagles.

This is the second time in the recent past that the NCAA and the UAAP, two of the country's premier collegiate leagues, are officially kickstarting their new athletic years on the same date albeit the latter has already held its Esports tournament this August.

The first time this happened dated back on March 26, 2022 with NCAA opening Season 97 and UAAP Season 84 following a 2-year absence due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The NCAA held its opening at the La Salle Green Hills St. Benilde Gym then while the UAAP held its own at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Both leagues also held its Season 98 and Season 85, respectively, in the latter part of 2022.