When the Premier Volleyball League turned professional late last year, one question was raised — Is Philippine volleyball ready to have professional players?
The last seven days have proved that it is.
Last Wednesday, MVP Group backed-teams PLDT and Cignal officially made the jump from the Philippine Superliga to the PVL.
Six days later, two PSL mainstays followed suit as Cherry Tiggo and Sta. Lucia also made the leap.
This would mean that the league which was founded in 2004 will have 10 pro teams as the four squads will join Creamline, Petro Gazz, Perlas, Choco Mucho, BaliPure, and newcomer UAC in the league.
Army will join as a guest team while Air Force has already told the league that it cannot join this season.
The development is a dream come true for Sports Vision Management Group Inc. president Ricky Palou, who together with the late Jun Bernardino and Muying Martelino, founded the Shakey’s V-League in 2004.
“We’re elated at how things are turning out,” expressed Palou.
“Back in 2004, we have always looked forward to having one unified professional volleyball league and now it’s starting to happen.”
One of the Philippine National Volleyball Federation’s agendas is to have a unified league.
By having all but one of the country’s top teams housed in one league, the PVL is doing its part to help the new federation.
“This will be good for the sport of volleyball, the league, and the volleyball fans.”
