The highly anticipated UAAP Season 86 is poised to kick off with a bang, promising a season filled with thrilling sportsmanship and unforgettable moments.
Set to begin on September 30, 2023, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, the UAAP Season 86 theme, "Fueling the Future," embodies the spirit of resilience, determination, and innovation that continues to define collegiate sports in the Philippines.
The UAAP Season 86, led by University of the East (UE) President and Season 86 Chairman Dr. Zosimo Battad, aims to ride on the momentum and themes of the last 2 Seasons, further fueling optimism as we continue to navigate this post-pandemic landscape.
Dr. Battad shared his insights on the theme, stating, "The 'Fueling the Future' theme reflects the unwavering commitment of our student-athletes and the entire UAAP community to overcome adversity and reach new heights. This season will showcase not only the incredible talents of our young student-athletes but also their potential to be catalysts for change."
UE Athletic Director and Season 86 President Rodrigo Roque extended a warm welcome to the community, saying, "We invite everyone to join us in celebrating the power of sports to inspire and unite. UAAP Season 86 promises to be an exciting journey, where we will witness outstanding displays of skill, teamwork, and sportsmanship from our student-athletes."
UAAP Executive Director Atty. Rene "Rebo" Saguisag enthusiastically shared, "UAAP Season 86 is gearing up to be truly extraordinary, with a return to the normal, full calendar of thrilling competitions and a couple of additional demo events that will add even more excitement and diversity to this already amazing season.."
Cignal TV, the official UAAP broadcaster, is now bringing UAAP games closer to sports fans with the introduction of their new streaming service, Pilipinas Live. This app promises to make watching the upcoming UAAP Season 86 games, especially the much-awaited basketball matches, more exciting and accessible to Filipinos both locally and abroad.
With Pilipinas Live, fans can enjoy an upgraded viewing experience. You can watch the live games with multi-camera angles to follow your favorite teams and players throughout the season. But that's not all; the app offers exclusive behind-the-scenes footage, pre and post-game interviews, and a unique fan stream view that lets you see student-athlete idols and school teams from a new perspective. Plus, you can interact in real time during UAAP games with features like in-game voting, polls, and quizzes. With Pilipinas Live it will take your UAAP viewing experience to the next level.
MediaQuest and Cignal TV President and CEO Jane Jimenez Basas stated, "We are proud to introduce Pilipinas Live to the rest of the world. UAAP Season 86 will be at the forefront of our programming, allowing Filipino fans anywhere they may be, to experience the excitement of watching collegiate sports, like never before. With Pilipinas Live, we are committed to enhancing the fan experience and making UAAP more accessible to a wider audience internationally."
UAAP Season 86 Men’s Basketball games will also air on the UAAP Varsity Channel (Available on Cignal TV) and One Sports (Free-to-Air) every Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Mark your calendars for September 30, 2023, and get ready to witness the future of Philippine collegiate sports unfold at the SM Mall of Asia Arena beginning at 12 noon with the league’s official opening ceremony tipping off the 86th year of the Philippines’ premier collegiate league.