The spotlight shifts to Novotel Manila Araneta City on Wednesday night, June 2, as aspiring professional volleyball players await their fate in the 2026 PVL Draft.

A total of 38 hopefuls are set to enter the selection process, with teams looking to strengthen their rosters through one of the most anticipated talent acquisition events in Philippine volleyball. The draft ceremony will be broadcast live on One Sports, One Sports+, and Pilipinas Live beginning at 7 p.m.

Among the most highly regarded prospects are National University’s Camilla Lamina and University of Santo Tomas standout Bernadett Pepito. Lamina built her collegiate career around her elite playmaking ability, while Pepito established herself as one of the most reliable defensive specialists in the university ranks.

Draft hopefuls showcase potential

Several prospects further boosted their stock after strong performances at the Draft Combine conducted by Valor Performance Institute. Adamson University’s Barbie Jamili emerged as one of the top performers after dominating multiple testing categories.

Jamili recorded the fastest time in the 10-meter sprint at 1.759 seconds and also led the pro agility 5-10-5 drill with a mark of 5.109 seconds. She likewise topped the hop test reactive strength index after posting 3.36 meters per second.

University of the East’s Khy Cepada also impressed evaluators throughout the combine. She finished among the leaders in several events, including second place in the 10-meter sprint and countermovement jump while also ranking highly in agility and jumping assessments.

Far Eastern University’s Tin Ubaldo will miss the draft ceremony due to her commitments with the Alas Pilipinas Women training pool. The national team is currently preparing for the 2026 AVC Women’s Cup in Candon City.

Teams prepare for selections

The draft pool also features several notable collegiate standouts from the UAAP, NCAA, and other leagues. Included in the list are UST’s Jonna Perdido and Xyza Gula, UP’s Irah Jaboneta and Joan Monares, FEU’s Ann Asis and Florize Papa, and De La Salle University’s Ela Raagas, Michelle Beterina, and Sophia Sindayen.

Joining them are Filipino-foreign applicant Jade Fuentes of Cal State Dominguez Hills and a host of players from various collegiate programs hoping to secure a professional opportunity. Their performances during the draft process could determine the next phase of their volleyball careers.

Galeries Tower owns the coveted first overall selection after winning the draft lottery conducted on May 25. Capital1, Choco Mucho, and Akari will complete the top four picks in the opening round, while Nxled, Farm Fresh, PLDT, and Creamline follow in the selection order.

League officials reiterated that teams opting to pass on a pick will lose all remaining selections in the draft. The rule adds another layer of importance as franchises weigh their options during one of the biggest roster-building events of the year.