A major opportunity now sits in front of Galeries Tower after the Highrisers captured the No. 1 overall selection in the 2026 Premier Volleyball League Draft Lottery on Monday at the TV5 Media Center in Mandaluyong City. Entering the draw with only a 30 percent probability, the franchise managed to leapfrog teams with better odds and place itself in position to reshape its future.

The outcome immediately intensified anticipation surrounding the upcoming rookie class, which is expected to become one of the deepest talent pools in recent PVL history. With several highly regarded collegiate standouts available, the top selection could potentially alter the balance of power across the league.

Lottery surprise unfolds

Jean Asis represented Galeries Tower during the proceedings and expressed excitement after the franchise secured the coveted first pick. According to Asis, holding the top selection gives the organization the freedom to make the most important decision in the draft.

“Super happy ako kasi alam mo ’yon, kami ’yung nabigyan ng chance na pumili na una sa draft pick,” Asis said after the lottery draw. She added that earning the first selection carries a different feeling because teams gain complete control over their preferred prospect.

“Kasi iba yung feeling na kayo yung nauuna eh kasi may choice talaga kayo. Yun, happy ako for the team,” she added. The Highrisers are now expected to closely evaluate several elite applicants ahead of the official draft proper next month.

PVL commissioner Sherwin Malonzo and Games and Amusements Board chairman Atty. Manuel S. Plaza III supervised the lottery proceedings. The event finalized the order of the first selections for the much-anticipated rookie draft.

Capital1 entered the draw with the highest probability at 40 percent but ultimately slipped to the second overall selection. The Solar Spikers previously secured Bella Belen as last year’s top overall pick and were once again considered favorites to land the first selection.

Choco Mucho obtained the third pick while ZUS Coffee secured the fourth overall selection. Akari, Nxled, Farm Fresh, PLDT and Creamline completed the rest of the draft order.

Top prospects await

The 2026 rookie class continues to generate massive interest because of the number of high-profile collegiate stars entering the draft. Among the most notable names are Alyssa Solomon, Niña Ytang, Bernadett Pepito, Camilla Lamina and Tin Ubaldo.

A total of 42 prospects are scheduled to participate in the Draft Combine set from May 28 to 29 at the Gameville Ballpark in Mandaluyong City. Teams are expected to use the combine to further assess player potential before finalizing their draft strategies.

“I’m happy to know that every year, our first pick changes. With the new players that entered the last minute, I’m excited for the teams this year,” Malonzo said following the lottery proceedings. He also noted that the growing level of talent entering the league continues to improve the competitiveness of the PVL.

Applicants may still officially withdraw from the draft pool until June 1 ahead of the draft proper scheduled at Novotel Manila. The 2026 PVL Draft is also supported by Buffalo’s Wings and Things, Ibis Styles Manila and Gameville.