In a landmark collaboration set to reshape the landscape of Philippine sports, Maya, the country’s leading fintech ecosystem and digital bank, has partnered with the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) to usher in a new era of digital-first sports governance.
The initiative aims to build a stronger financial foundation for Filipino athletes and coaches by leveraging Maya’s all-in-one platform to provide a seamless, transparent, and secure system for allowances, financial wellness, and long-term security.
Fintech builds a stronger future for athletes
Photo shows PSC Chairperson John Patrick “Pato” Gregorio (seated, center) and Shailesh Baidwan (seated, 2nd from left), Maya Group President and Maya Bank Co-Founder, together with top executives of PSC and Maya during the MOA-signing
For generations, the journey of a Filipino athlete has been defined by grit, sacrifice, and the relentless pursuit of a dream. But beyond the field, that journey was often hampered by a slow, manual system for receiving allowances, managing finances, and planning for a life after sports.
The “Championing the Pinoy Athlete” initiative directly addresses these long-standing pain points, offering a seamless, all-in-one solution.
Shailesh Baidwan, Maya Group President and Maya Bank Co-Founder
“This partnership is about more than technology — it’s about giving our athletes the support they deserve both on and off the field,” said Shailesh Baidwan, Maya Group President and Maya Bank Co-Founder. “Together with PSC, we’re building a stronger financial foundation for Philippine sports and helping empower every Filipino athlete to reach world-class status.”
Maya’s platform will serve as the central nervous system for the new system. Allowances will no longer be disbursed via manual checks or cash but through a transparent, automated system that ensures funds are delivered swiftly and securely to the athletes’ digital accounts. This move brings a new level of accountability, with a transparent system for National Sports Associations (NSAs) to ensure good governance.
The true game-changer, however, lies in Maya’s commitment to building a financial future for athletes that extends far beyond their playing years. By integrating its robust suite of financial tools directly into the program, Maya offers a holistic solution.
Athletes, coaches, and PSC employees will gain access to tools for savings, credit, insurance, and investments — all within the convenient, all-in-one Maya app. This promotes a culture of financial wellness, helping individuals build long-term security and plan for a seamless transition into post-athletic life.
PSC Chairman John Patrick Gregorio echoed this forward-looking vision, stating, “PSC is committed to changing the game in sports governance by embracing digitalization and making it easier to serve the needs of our athletes and the entire sports community. Our athletes give their all for the country. This collaboration ensures their support is just as strong — swift, secure and transparent.”
PSC-Maya partnership uplifts athletes and sports community
Maya is uniquely positioned to drive this change, not only as the Philippines’ #1 digital bank, but also as a longtime champion of local sports, with a history of supporting initiatives like the UAAP and the country’s Olympic campaigns.
Its expertise in creating a seamless digital ecosystem — where users can save, spend, and grow their money with ease — makes it the ideal partner for a government agency looking to innovate.
Beyond the elite athletes, the initiative aims to uplift the entire sports community. The partnership will make digital financial services accessible for everyday use, from grassroots programs to national events. It also opens up new opportunities to engage fans and stakeholders through digital platforms, fostering a stronger, more connected sports community across the country.
This partnership is a powerful example of a public-private collaboration that goes beyond a simple sponsorship. By leveraging the power of fintech, Maya and the PSC are not just modernizing an industry; they are fundamentally changing the narrative for Filipino athletes.
They are ensuring that every athlete’s hard work, dedication, and sacrifice are met with a financial system that is just as strong and reliable, paving the way for a more secure and successful future both on and off the field.
