“This should also pave the way for the unity long sought for the sport,” said Palou. 

PVL president Palou expressed gratitude for the trust placed in him by Sta. Lucia, Chery Tiggo, Sta. Lucia and F2 Logistics.

“We are delighted to have F2 Logistics, Chery Tigo and Sta, Lucia into our fold and words could not express the gratitude I have for their respective team owners,” Ricky Palou thanking Efren Uy, Rommel Sytin, and Exe Robles, respectively.

“Their presence will not only bring out the best in which our beloved sport brings, but also adds more depth to the talent pool of the national team gearing up for various international competitions,” he continued.

The two-time champion Chery Tiggo and Sta. Lucia decided to turn pro earlier in the week while the F2 Logistics, five-time champions in the Philippine Superliga, had recently announced its transition to the turned-pro league. 

On the other hand, Cignal, a founding member of the PSL and PLDT Home Fibr, made its decision to make the leap as part of Manny V. Pangilinan-group’s action in promoting and developing the league.

PVL, which is set to kick off on May 8, now has 12 teams competing for the crown and the bragging rights as the first professional league volley champion.

“Things are getting clearer and better for not just women’s volley in particular, but for the sport in general. The ongoing global health crisis may have held back our programs, but it has also created camaraderie among all of the sport’s stakeholders which led to this monumental moment for volleyball,” Palou averred. 

Palou expressed his elation on the commitment of the holdovers namely Creamline, Petro Gazz, Choco Mucho, Perlas, BaliPure, Army, and newcomer Unlimited Athletes Club for urging some players from Motolite, Petron, Generika-Ayala, and Marinerang Pilipina to make its leap.

In addition, they also expressed thanks to Cignal TV, led by its Channel and Content Marketing head James Meneses, for giving the organization their broadcast home. 

“Thank you to our originals, or OGs as the kids call it, and to Chairman MVP (Manny V. Pangilinan) who promised to give us the best coverage possible.”

With so many teams to bet for, fans are thrilled of a classic Ateneo-La Salle duels in UAAP women’s volley that is expected to happen in the league with Creamline’s Alyssa Valdez and Jia Morado leading the Lady Eagles and F2 Logistics’ Aby Maraño, Ara Galang, and Kim Fajardo leading the Lady Archers.