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| New NAASCU commissioner Cris Bautista said that the league is already investing on its future through its current expansion as rumors swirl about some of its old-timers already thinking about a jump to the NCAA. NAASCU |
MANILA—As the new NAASCU season beckons, it could also be the start of the end for some of its member schools.
Four member colleges, Fatima, New Era, St. Clare, and Philippine Christian University, were rumored to be considering a potential jump to the NCAA.
The cases of the Phoenix and Dolphins remain strong to this day, especially since PCU is eyeing a return to the league after nearly two decades and Fatima joined the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang tournament as a guest team last season.
This year, NAASCU welcomed six new member schools: Gardner, Bestlink, Regis Marie, St. Bernadette of Lourdes, and Immaculate Concepcion I College.
New commissioner Cris Bautista admitted on Thursday that the newest expansion is one step toward maintaining the league's competitiveness in case some schools decide to transfer to another league soon.
"Naging goal ko ang dagdagan lalo ang team members ng schools ng NAASCU, so in case anytime na sila mag-decision na mag-transfer to other leagues, ready lang kami. Hindi kami mawawalan," Bautista said at the sidelines of the league's 2026 season launch at St. Clare's campus in Caloocan, adding that there may be another expansion next year.
Bautista then addressed the situation of the schools in the transfer rumors, saying, "Wala pa naman daw assurance na tutuloy sila."
As it stands, the NAASCU will be 14-school strong for the new season that will begin next Wednesday at the Makati Coliseum.
Fatima, New Era, St. Clare, PCU, Enderun, University of Makati, City University of Pasay, and Manuel L. Quezon University are out to give the six newcomers an initiation of sorts into what NAASCU's brand of collegiate sports looks like.
The Saints aim for an eighth consecutive title in the highly anticipated men's basketball tournament.
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