Barely has the euphoria from the record-setting Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference Finals faded when the league shifted its focus to the future. The PVL has officially announced the opening of applications for the 2025 PVL Rookie Draft on Monday, April 21, marking a new chapter in the league’s evolution.

While the Finals showcased established champions and epic battles, the Rookie Draft is set to unearth the next generation of PVL stars. The league’s impressive growth over the past six months has not only captured the hearts of fans but has also heightened the spotlight on emerging talents. Breakout stars from the season—such as Thea Gagate of ZUS Coffee, Ishie Lalongisip of Cignal, and Julia Coronel of Galeries Tower—have proven that tomorrow’s legends are already on the rise.

The Application Process and Key Deadlines

Aspiring professionals must fill out the online application form at http://pvl.ph/draft and email the required documents to draft@pvl.ph. The application window will close on May 23, with the final list of applicants announced on June 4, setting the stage for the Rookie Draft Ceremony on Saturday, June 7.

Applicants must be female at birth, and if below 21 years old, they are required to be college graduates. Filipino-foreign applicants must provide a Philippine passport or a receipt proving its issuance before the May 23 deadline. Moreover, those who played college ball in the Philippines but did not compete in the UAAP or NCAA must submit an endorsement letter from a collegiate coach or athletic director, whereas other applicants need a current endorsement from a PVL, UAAP, or NCAA coach.

In addition, all applicants must supply a fit-to-play medical clearance from a licensed physician and a notarized declaration confirming no pending obligations with their collegiate or club teams. This rigorous process ensures that only the most promising and prepared athletes move forward to the next phase.

Draft Lottery and Combine: Paving the Path for Future Champions

The draft lottery is scheduled for May 26, with the four teams having the worst combined records from the 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference (⅓ weight) and the 2024–2025 PVL All-Filipino Conference (⅔ weight) participating. The lottery odds are as follows:

• NXLED: 40% chance for the first overall pick

• Capital1: 30%

• Farm Fresh: 20%

• Galeries Tower: 10%

The remaining order for the first round of the draft is set: Zus, Cignal, Chery Tiggo, Choco Mucho, PLDT, Akari, Petro Gazz, and Creamline will fill the 5th through 12th spots respectively.

Applicants who pass the initial screening will be required to attend a mandatory three-day PVL Draft Combine from May 30 to June 1. The combine will include physical measurements, medical tests, interviews, athletic tests, and scrimmages in front of coaches and officials. This event is designed to assess the overall readiness and potential of each candidate, ensuring that teams invest in true talent.

Shaping the Future of Philippine Volleyball

The PVL’s move to open the 2025 Rookie Draft comes as the league continues its meteoric rise in both popularity and quality. The impressive performances in the recent All-Filipino Conference have shown that there is immense potential in the league for future stars.

By investing in the next generation, the PVL is not just filling rosters—it is building a sustainable foundation for the sport in the Philippines. The league’s commitment to innovation, combined with a rigorous selection process, promises to bring fresh talent and high-level competition to every game.

This shift to a forward-looking approach allows teams to strengthen their squads with new, high-potential players, ensuring a vibrant future for Philippine volleyball as they look to add more memorable chapters to their already rich history.