WITH the National Collegiate Athletic Association now running with 10 teams, the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) is also mulling over expanding its membership in the future.

But getting into the league will be tough and expensive.

Besides the basic requirement for the aspirant to be a university, UAAP president Anton Montinola of Season 72 host Far Eastern University (FEU) said the applicant should have a “very good sports program.”

He said the applicant will also have to pay a hefty sum.

“If they want to join the party, they have to open their checkbooks,” said Montinola.

“That [applicant] school needs to have a very good sports program in all sports. There is also a need for a rabid alumni following that will support their teams consistently, win or lose, The school’s management should also be serious in competing consistently in all sports.”

Montinola bared that four schools have shown interest in joining the league.

San Beda College, the NCAA host this season, is considered by many as one of the top candidates, but has yet to secure university status.

It will also have to unanimously convince the UAAP Board to get into the league.

“If only one school objects, then we have a problem,” Montinola said.

The NCAA this season allowed three guest teams—Arellano University, Angeles University Foundation and Emilio Aguinaldo College—to see action.