The Universities and Colleges Athletic League (UCAL) started as a collegiate basketball tournament based in the Philippines, which was established in 2016. The inaugural season of the UCBL officially opened on October 8, 2016 with seven competing schools from Metro Manila and nearby provinces competing in the tournament.
Organized by the Universities and Colleges Athletic League, Inc. (UCAL), headed by the league's president Franklin Evidente, UCBL's mission is to give better opportunities for aspiring players as well as showcase their talents in the hard court. In addition, the league will provide better officiating of the games and to give the players and teams the opportunity to be seen on national television.Future teams Trinity University of Asia , Polytechnic University of the Philippines , Our Lady of Fatima University and New Era University is interested to join the league to complete the power house institution to be able to compete with UAAP and NCAA Philippines
All games are to be held at the Paco Arena every Mondays and Thursdays, The Live telecast of the games are aired on Smart Sports through livestreaming coverage provided by Smart Communications.
The group of referees from the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas were tapped to officiate the games.