From the draft lottery and order to key dates leading up to the PVL Rookie Draft, here is your concise guide to navigating this inaugural event.
The Premier Volleyball League (PVL) is set to stage its first-ever rookie draft on July 8.
The league announced on Saturday, June 15, that the inaugural selection class comprises of 47 hopefuls, all eager to secure a roster spot among the 12 competing teams.
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As the landmark event draws near, here is all you need to know about the first-ever PVL Draft.
Draft lottery and order
Which team will earn the right to select first?
That has yet to be decided, as the first to fourth picks of the draft will be determined among the bottom four squads from the 2024 PVL All-Filipino Conference.
Departing from the traditional approach of awarding the top selection to the lowest-ranked team, the draft lottery aims to discourage "tanking," or deliberately losing games to secure a higher pick.
Still, the lottery will allocate higher chances based on the recent standings.
Zus Coffee, formerly Strong Group Athletics, finishing at the bottom of the season-opening conference, leads with a 40 percent chance of winning the lottery for the first pick. Following close behind is Capital1, ranked 11th, at 30 percent, Galeries Tower, seeded 10th, at 20 percent, and Farm Fresh, ranked 9th, at 10 percent.
The lottery is scheduled for June 24 and will be broadcast on "The Starting Lineup," airing on Pilipinas Live and RPTV.
The drafting order after the four aforementioned teams will proceed as follows – Nxled (5th), Akari (6th), Cignal (7th), PLDT (8th), Chery Tiggo (9th), Petro Gazz (10th), Choco Mucho (11th), and All-Filipino champion Creamline (12th).
Draft Combine
To ensure a comprehensive evaluation of all draft applicants, the PVL will host a mandatory two-day rookie draft combine.
The event will be held from June 25 to 26 at Gameville Ballpark in Sheridan, Mandaluyong.
League officials and team representatives will oversee the combine, covering physical measurements, medical evaluations, athletic tests and skill assessments, scrimmages, and interviews.
Terms and conditions for players
Post-draft, all selected players must receive qualifying offers from their respective teams within 15 calendar days.
The contract terms vary based on the round in which the rookie was drafted.
For first-round picks, a minimum three-year contract must be offered.
Meanwhile, second-round picks and beyond require a minimum one-year contract.
Undrafted players, if signed by a team after the draft, must be offered at least a one-conference contract.