E-sports breaking into NCAA

MANILA, Philippines — The NCAA may include e-sports in a reduced calendar it is mulling to play should the government relax restrictions and allow the return of sports soon.

“We’re seriously considering holding e-games or e-sports should and when we be allowed to open the NCAA this season,” said Fr. Vic Calvo, OP, of Season 96 host Letran. “It is best for everyone because it is safer for our athletes as well as for everyone.”

Among the online games being considered for inclusion in the league calendar are NBA 2K (basketball) and Mobile Legends.

Online chess, which is already a craze during this COVID-19 pandemic period, is also on the league’s plate.

E-sports have been a smashing hit in the past few years, with its popularity spiked by its inclusion in the Southeast Asian Games held in the country last year. The Phl e-sports team raked in a medal haul of three gold, one silver and one bronze.

The cost to hold e-sports is also being considered.

At present situation, the NCAA is bent on cutting costs, thus, mulling a reduced calendar featuring only four major disciplines in basketball, volleyball, track and field and swimming.