PVL puts salary cap in place

MANILA, Philippines — Premier Volleyball League (PVL) president Ricky Palou said a minimum salary of P50,000 a month has been set for all players but discussions are still ongoing to determine caps for veterans as well as rookies joining out of the inaugural draft on July 6.

“We’re deliberating on maximum caps,” said Palou. At the moment, there is no ceiling for salaries but PVL intends to level off paychecks to balance out team budgets for parity. A plan is to set a cap of P150,000 a month for rookies.

Deadline for players applying for the draft is on June 12. A lottery will be held to determine the teams choosing the first four picks on June 24. The teams involved in the lottery are the last four placers of the recent All-Filipino Conference. Cellar-dweller Strong Group will be given a 40 percent chance for the first pick with Capital 1 30 percent, Galleries Tower 20 percent and Farm Fresh 10 percent.

Who will apply for the draft from the varsity ranks is a subject of much anticipation. Standouts like Bella Belen, Angel Canino, Alyssa Solomon, Detdet Pepito, Angge Poyos, Shevana Laput, Thea Gagate, Julia Coronel, Amie Provido and Baby Jyne Soreno are potential solid draft picks but if they apply and turn pro, it would mean renouncing their remaining varsity eligibility.

Palou said while the PVL has no rule requiring years of varsity experience, he would prefer serving schools for at least three years. “We don’t want to spoil the college leagues,” he said. “Take Angel (who turns 21 on June 25). She’s more than good enough to play in the pros but I hope she stays with La Salle.” Draft applicants must be at least 21 by Dec. 31 with no prior PVL experience. Those with foreign citizenship must show a Philippine passport or a birth certificate issued in the Philippines.

Palou said the league is in the process of finalizing venues not only for the draft itself but also for the pre-draft rookie camp. “We’re excited because this is the first we’re going to have a draft,” he said. “We’re doing this to give a chance to the clubs that need to improve their competitiveness. We’ll need two or three courts in one day where all the coaches can come and see the players show their skills. We’re also looking at a venue where we will roll out the actual draft.”