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| (Image Source: Premier Volleyball League) |
The Premier Volleyball League (PVL) embarks on its eighth season, and fourth as the Philippines' premier professional volleyball league, on February 20, 2024 with a robust 12-team lineup, including two new additions, promising a thrilling year of elite women’s volleyball action across three conferences. League president and Sports Vision Management Group Inc. head Ricky Palou expressed his excitement for the upcoming season, emphasizing the alignment of the calendar with the world governing body to consistently integrate domestic and international volleyball events. "This year's calendar is designed to align with the FIVB schedule, ensuring a seamless integration of international and domestic volleyball events. We are committed to delivering a world-class experience for our fans and players alike," said Palou.
Defending six-time champion Creamline aims to maintain its dominance in the PVL All-Filipino Conference with an intact, potent roster while the other teams, such as two-time Reinforced Conference winner Petro Gazz and the title-hungry Cignal, have bolstered their respective lineups. Choco Mucho, PLDT and Chery Tiggo also eye success while Akari, Nxled, Farm Fresh and Galeries are optimistic about their chances after rigorous preparation. Newcomers Capital1 and Strong Group are also eager and ready to make an impact in their debut season, showcasing their talents in the league where it all began. Sports Vision revived the once dormant sport in 2004 as an inter-collegiate V-League. It changed its name to PVL in 2017 and transformed it into a professional league in 2020 as approved by the country's Games and Amusements Board (GAB). Despite a hiatus in 2020 due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, the league has returned stronger. The new season promises to be a blockbuster, celebrating Sports Vision’s two decades of organized volleyball, including the men's, while providing entertainment for fans and nurturing players of international caliber.
The 2024 PVL season opens with the All-Filipino Conference with a promise of an electrifying display of action featuring anticipating extraordinary talent and fierce competition throughout the conference. "The 12-team field for this season is as strong as ever, and we're thrilled to witness the extraordinary talent and competition that each team brings to the court," said Palou. Petro Gazz, coming off a recent title conquest, faces Strong Group at 4:00 pm while Chery Tiggo collides with Capital1 in the 6:00 pm main game to kick off the conference. PLDT and Choco Mucho begin their campaigns on February 22, facing Galeries and Nxled, respectively, at the Fioil EcoOil Arena in San Juan City. The Cool Smashers, meanwhile, launch their title-retention drive against the Farm Fresh Foxies on February 25 at 6:00 pm, capping a three-game bill at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Chery Tiggo and Strong Group tangle at 2:00 pm while Akari and Cignal square off at 4:00 pm. The league schedule comprises games every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday in a single round-robin format from February 20 to April 27. Matches will also be held at the Sta. Rosa Sports Complex in Laguna and at the Ynares Center in Antipolo to bring the league, where it all started, closer to fans. The top four teams will advance to the semifinals, engaging in another round-robin phase with the top two teams vying for the championship in a best-of-three series. In case of a tie for second in the semis, a playoff for the last finals berth will be held.
Fans can catch the action on free-to-air on One Sports, in HD on One Sports+ on Cignal, as well as on the PVL’s official website (pvl.ph) and the Pilipinas Live app. The coverage extends globally, including the new free-to-air channel RPTV. Cignal TV's First Vice President for Channels and Content Management Sienna Olaso emphasized that “the PVL is not just a league but a spectacle accessible to Filipinos worldwide.” "Pilipinas Live will bring unprecedented coverage of the games, providing fans with an immersive experience and showcasing the top talents,” added Olaso. Prior to the launch of the 2024 PVL Season, Cignal recently hosted a two-part media day, allowing fans to get a sneak peek into teams and players through streaming on Pilipinas Live. Following the All-Filipino Conference, the PVL moves on to the Reinforced Invitational featuring foreign guest players while excluding national team members. Two foreign teams will add an international flair to the competition. After a break, the highly anticipated 2024-25 All-Filipino Conference is scheduled from October 2024 to May 2025, offering an extended season for fans to witness the best of Philippine volleyball. The league remains committed to delivering top-tier volleyball action, ensuring an unforgettable journey for fans and players throughout the 2024 season. Visit PVL's official website and social media accounts for the full schedule and team rosters as well as the latest news and updates on the league and the players.
