“We already have three hundred twenty-seven applicants for the draft after two days of posting the draft form,” National Basketball League (NBL) executive vice president Rhose Montreal shared during the Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum webcast.

The said application for the draft was released as soon as the WNBL had finalized its schedule for its very first season.

WNBL will accept applications up until September 30, immediately followed by a screening from October 1-10.

A draft combine in a bubble set up will then take place from October 20-22 with the similar health protocols the NBL will use to complete its suspended season in Pampanga.

“Basically po, after we finish the championship sa men’s, we’ll also apply the same safety protocols that we submitted to GAB and IATF in conducting our Draft Combine,” Montreal explained.

WNBL will have its first-ever draft on October 30 with 10 to 12 teams expected to participate in the selection proceedings that will be held via Zoom.

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

A pre-season tournament will be held in the first week of January right before the league officially opens in the third week of the same month.

“It’s about time. For all female ballers this has always been a dream — to have a pro league,” said WNBL ambassadress Bea Daez-Fabros.

Teams joining will get to keep six of its players while the rest will join the selection. Meanwhile, teams such as Air Force and Navy get to keep their rosters since most of their players are enlisted.