“We were compelled to make this decision due to the heavy turnout of applications,” shared NBL Executive Vice President Rhose Montreal.

Just days after posting its application form online last September 6, the country’s first-ever pro women’s basketball league has been swarmed with applications for its inaugural draft.

The league already has 327 applicants for the draft in just two days and after two weeks the number of draftees raised to almost 700, which will eventually be evaluated before coming up with the final list.

The WNBL has commenced a draft system for its first season as a professional league which is slated to happen in January.

Moreover, the talents will be screened from September 26 to October 2. From there, it will then unveil the final roster of draft hopefuls on October 3.

The league disclosed that they will conduct a draft combine on October 20-22 to be held in a ‘bubble’ at Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center in San Fernando, Pampanga before the anticipated actual draft at the end of the October.

WNBL ensures the combine will use the same health protocols the NBL will use for its season bubble.

Furthermore, the draft is expected to take place on October 30 with 10 to 12 teams expected to take part.

“To give equal opportunities, we’re looking at a minimum of 10, maximum of 12 teams for the inaugural season of the pro league,” said Montreal.

For those who don’t make it to the September 22 deadline, Montreal promises that they will accommodate more players come 2021. By then, the league expects more teams to join the country’s women’s basketball professional league.

The inaugural pro season of the WNBL is expected to kick off in January 2021.