July 8 TipOff
(Hoops Haven)
4 p.m. – Biñan-Tatak Gel vs RK Hoops-Quezon City 10ACT (Battle for third)
6 p.m. – Batangas-New Zealand Bluefire vs Akari-Rizal (Finals)
A year after Batangas-New Zealand Bluefire denied Akari-Rizal its championship dream, the two teams are on a collision course once again, setting the stage for a blockbuster rematch in the 2026 Women’s Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Finals.
The Valkyries booked their return to the championship round after completing a hard-earned semifinal sweep of Biñan-Tatak Gel, while the Sparks cruised into the Finals with a two-game demolition of RK Hoops-Quezon City 10ACT.
The long-awaited championship rematch gets underway on Wednesday at Hoops Haven in Pasay City, with Game 1 of the Finals slated for 6 p.m., following the battle for third between the Angels and RK Hoops-Quezon City 10ACT at 4 p.m.
Batangas-New Zealand Bluefire head coach Cholo Villanueva has repeatedly emphasized throughout the season that the road to a second straight championship would be far more difficult, knowing last year’s title placed a target squarely on their backs as every team sought to measure itself against the defending champions.
Rather than shy away from those heightened expectations, the Valkyries embraced them, overcoming every challenge that came their way to earn another shot at the title and move within two victories of back-to-back championships in the tilt backed by Aktive.
“Teams know us already. Teams know how to beat us. It’s always a tougher road repeating because the first time, you’re the hunter. This time, you’re the hunted. So there’s much more preparation, much more sleepless nights of game planning and preparation,” Villanueva said.
“But we’re up for the challenge. Whoever gets those two wins in the championship series wins the championship, so that’s what we’re preparing for,” he added.
The two teams split their regular-season meetings, with Batangas-New Zealand claiming a 72-56 victory in the first round before Akari-Rizal responded with a convincing 74-58 win in the second.
But with the championship on the line, both sides know those results mean little now.
“Well, we cannot be happy with beating them in the last elimination round. It doesn’t mean anything. It’s a totally different series,” said Sparks head coach Derrick Pumaren, adding that both teams will be starting on equal footing in the race for the championship.
Pumaren knows the defending champions will bring relentless energy and intensity, making it imperative for the Sparks to match the Valkyries’ effort from the opening tip.
“We just have to be ready for Game 1 against this team, and we have to play hard and match their energy because when we played them, parang mas masipag sila sa amin. Kailangan same rin kami,” said Pumaren.
Leading the charge for the Sparks will be a battle-tested quartet of Allana Lim, Janine Pontejos, Raiza Palmera-Dy, and Mar Prado, all of whom are expected to play pivotal roles in Akari-Rizal’s quest for its first WMPBL championship.
Waiting for them is a Batangas-New Zealand squad anchored by reigning MVP Afril Bernardino, with Andrea Tongco, Snow Peñaranda, and Khate Castillo expected to provide the support as the Valkyries chase a second straight title.
As the battle for the WMPBL crown begins, both teams know talent alone won’t decide the series.
The championship will ultimately belong to the side that can better execute, sustain its energy, and rise to the moment.
And in a best-of-three Finals where every possession could prove decisive, whoever draws first blood on Wednesday will take a crucial step toward lifting the WMPBL trophy.