The road to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics has just gained crucial momentum with the Philippine Olympic Committee sealing a landmark four-year partnership with SportsPlus and Smart Communications, Inc. The agreement, which runs from 2025 to 2029, positions SportsPlus as the Official Gaming Partner of the POC and Smart as the Official Connectivity Partner, ensuring that Filipino athletes receive comprehensive support in preparation for the world’s biggest sporting stage.
The partnership was formally signed on September 17, 2025, at Gameville Ball Park in Mandaluyong City, where Philippine sports leaders and partner executives came together to pledge their commitment to the nation’s athletes. For SportsPlus, this deal represents a bold statement of intent. Known as the number one sportsbook in the Philippines, SportsPlus is a fully PAGCOR-regulated platform that has built its reputation as a trusted and responsible player in the gaming industry. Beyond offering sports betting, it has consistently emphasized its role in strengthening Filipino sports by supporting programs and initiatives that empower athletes from grassroots development all the way to the global stage.
The contract signing highlighted the dual commitment of SportsPlus and Smart to go beyond sponsorship and deliver tangible benefits to the athletic community. Smart will provide the advanced connectivity solutions needed to keep athletes connected with their families, coaches, and fans even as they train and compete abroad. SportsPlus, meanwhile, is focused on giving athletes visibility and recognition, using its platforms to amplify their stories and create meaningful ways for fans to connect with the national teams. Together, they aim to provide athletes with the resources and confidence to prepare for crucial events such as the upcoming SEA Games in Bangkok, the Asian Games in Nagoya next year, and eventually the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
As part of its athlete-first commitment, SportsPlus also recognized the achievements of Filipino medalists from the 2025 World Games in Chengdu, China. Aislinn Yap, Carlos Baylon Jr., Kaila Napolis, and Chezka Centeno were honored for their performances with iPhone 17 units, a gesture that symbolized the company’s desire to keep athletes connected while acknowledging their hard work and excellence on the international stage. This recognition reflects SportsPlus’ philosophy that supporting athletes means celebrating them not just when they win medals, but throughout their entire journey.
SportsPlus Head of Partnerships James da Costa described the partnership as an affirmation of the company’s dedication to Philippine sports, stating, “SportsPlus is more than a partner — we are a dedicated supporter of the exceptional talent and spirit of the Filipino athlete. From grassroots development to the professional ranks and onto the world stage, SportsPlus is committed to standing with athletes every step of the way. This partnership is our pledge to provide the support, visibility, and resources they need to excel and bring pride to the nation.”
POC President Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino welcomed the collaboration, emphasizing that preparation is the most critical aspect of Olympic success. “This collaboration with Smart and SportsPlus is a big boost for our athletes. The most important thing is preparation in all our undertakings, and these partnerships provide exactly that. With partners who are truly passionate about Philippine sports, we may not just bring home two medals like we did in the Paris Olympics — we can achieve even more,” he said. Tolentino also stressed that the partnership is dedicated to the athletes, noting, “Ito po ay hindi para sa akin at para sa POC kundi para sa mga atletang Pilipino. Ang importante po dito ay ‘yung preparations natin para sa mabibigat nating laban sa SEA Games, Asian Games at LA Olympics.”
For Smart Communications, the partnership underscores its role as a vital connector in sports development. Jude H. Turcuato, First Vice President and Head of Sports at PLDT/Smart, said, “Through this partnership with SportsPlus and the Philippine Olympic Committee, Smart will ensure that our athletes are connected, whether it’s by providing world-class connectivity for training, live streaming sports content, or keeping our national athletes in touch with their families and supporters, especially when they compete abroad.” He further added, “Smart will empower our athletes in every step of the way. With support, the best is yet to come for Philippine sports. Tuloy ang ating laban, tuloy ang ating tagumpay. Para sa bayan, para sa Pilipino.”
The timing of this historic tie-up could not be more significant. Filipino athletes are riding a wave of success following the two gold medals won by Caloy Yulo in the 2024 Paris Olympics and the recent victories at the 2025 World Games in Chengdu. With the backing of SportsPlus and Smart, the Philippine Olympic Committee is better positioned to build on this momentum, providing athletes not only with the means to train and compete at the highest level but also the visibility to inspire future generations.
This partnership is more than a corporate alliance. It is a declaration that Philippine sports deserves sustained and meaningful investment. SportsPlus brings the credibility of being a PAGCOR-regulated platform that channels its influence into genuine advocacy, while Smart ensures that connectivity will never be a barrier to progress. Together with the POC, they are not only backing athletes’ dreams but also helping to write the next chapter of Filipino sporting excellence on the global stage.
