PVL to become a pro – Ricky Palou

The Premier Volleyball League (PVL) is turning professional after 16 years.

Games and Amusement Board announced the development on Thursday with PVL organizer Sports Vision president Ricky Palou confirming the news in light of the recent joint resolution that established the line between professionals and amateurs.

“With the support of the team owners, Sports Vision Management Group Inc has decided to professionalize the PVL,” said Palou. Manila Newsletter.

Palou added that the decision hopes to strengthen the league and make it more stable as it has been showcasing some of the best volleyball players across the country for more than a decade.

Formerly called Shakey’s V-League, the league was founded in 2004 by the late Jun Bernardino as a tournament for college teams from the UAAP, NCAA, CESAFI, and other associations.

Since 2011 it has hosted corporate clubs and non-university leagues.

“We felt it was the best thing for the sport of volleyball,” Palou said.

PVL Commissioner Tony Liao said they are considering starting an Open Conference in February or March next year with no imports pending approval from the Inter-Institutional Working Group (IATF).

The club teams that agreed to go pro are Creamline, Choco Mucho, Petro Gazz, BanKo Perlas and Motolite.

Liao said teams like BaliPure and Chef’s Classics cannot become professionals because their lineups are made up of students, while the Army and Air Force also cannot become professionals because they are government teams.

“But according to (GAB president) Baham Mitra, the Air Force and the Army can play as guest teams. Maybe Chef’s Classics and BaliPure can sponsor them instead of schools, ”Liao said.

More details are expected at the virtual press conference scheduled for Friday.