HOW much does a team need to maintain its basketball operations in the UAAP amid the economic crunch inflicted by the COVID-19 pandemic?
A highly-reliable source estimated that “well-funded” teams such as National University, La Salle, and reigning three-time champion Ateneo spend around P20 million a year to manage its basketball operations.
“Iyong well-funded teams like NU, La Salle, and Ateneo are probably spending over P20 million a year, in my estimation. Sa mga recruits na lang nila, I’m sure malalaki allowances niyan,” the source, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, told Malaya-Business Insight yesterday.
“May mga ibang perks pa iyan. Kaya nila nakukuha iyong mga blue-chip recruits,” the source added.
The Bulldogs are bankrolled by the SM group and tapped Bullpups champion coach Goldwin Monteverde as their new tactician in lieu of Jamike Jarin last November.
The Green Archers have San Miguel Corp. chairman Eduardo “Danding” Cojuango Jr. as their main benefactor.
Veteran tactician Derrick Pumaren renewed his ties with La Salle last January, replacing Gian Nazario and active consultant Jermaine Byrd, hoping to end a two-year Final Four absence and reclaim the crown the Archers last won in 2016.
Cojuango, however, has reportedly stepped down as chief supporter of the Archers after UAAP Season 82.
The defending three-time champion Blue Eagles are backed by sports patron and business magnate Manny V. Pangilinan.
NCAA season 96 host Letran is reportedly set to downsize its athletics program, while school-based PBA D-League squad Technological Institute of the Philippines has disbanded all its varsity teams.
The budget of teams varies but a competitive squad needs around P500,000 to P800,000 monthly, excluding scholarships, according to the source.
“Iba-iba ang budget ng teams. Iba-iba kasi ang needs, support ng school, at amount of sponsorships. For example, if ang kailangan to operate monthly is P500,000, the question is how much ang share ng school, and how much are coming from sponsors. But I think for a college team to be competitive, dapat may monthly budget ka around P500,000 to P800,000,” explained the source.