THE UNIVERSITY Athletic Association of the Philippines has revised its September basketball schedule to accommodate student-athletes who will represent the Philippines in two major international competitions.

The changes cover the men’s and women’s tournaments as several UAAP players are expected to join Gilas Pilipinas for the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, while others will compete in the FIBA 3×3 Under-23 World Cup in Wuhan, China.

Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) Executive Director Erika Dy expressed appreciation to the UAAP for coordinating with the national federation and adjusting the league calendar.

Dy said the arrangement allows student-athletes to fulfill their commitments to both their schools and the national team without being forced to choose between them.

The Season 89 men’s basketball tournament will begin on September 13, a day after the opening ceremonies at the Araneta Coliseum.

Far Eastern University will face Adamson University at noon in the opening game at the Big Dome. Defending champion De La Salle University then takes on National University at 2:30 p.m., before University of the Philippines battles University of Santo Tomas at 6 p.m.

The September 16 slate at the Mall of Asia Arena will see Ateneo de Manila University and University of the East make their season debuts. La Salle will also meet UST on the same day.

NU and UE will clash on September 19, followed by Ateneo and UP in the first-round Battle of Katipunan.

A triple-header is set for September 26, featuring Ateneo against Adamson, UE versus FEU and UP against NU.

The month concludes on September 30 with Adamson playing UST and FEU facing La Salle.

FEU’s Cabs Cabonilas and Jedric Daa, together with Adamson’s Earl Medina, are expected to see action in the 3×3 U23 World Cup from September 15 to 19.

Meanwhile, La Salle’s Luis Pablo and Doy Dungo and UST’s Koji Buenaflor are slated for national-team duty at the Asian Games from September 21 to 25.

The women’s tournament will also open later than usual due to the expected participation of UAAP players in national-team programs.

SBP 3×3 program director Ryan Gregorio and UAAP Season 89 president Mark Molina said the league’s flexibility supports the athletes’ development and national-team responsibilities.