Highrisers beat the odds to claim No. 1 pick in PVL Draft

Fortune favored Galeries Tower on Monday.

The Highrisers secured the top overall selection in the 2026 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Draft after emerging victorious in the lottery held at the TV5 Media Center.

Represented by last year’s No. 2 pick Jean Asis, Galeries Tower overcame the odds despite holding only a 30-percent chance of landing the coveted first pick.

“Super happy ako kasi kami yung nabigyan ng opportunity na maunang pumili sa draft,” said Asis.

“Iba pa rin yung feeling na kayo yung unang pipili kasi mas marami kayong options. Masaya ako para sa team.”

The lottery proceedings were overseen by PVL commissioner Sherwin Malonzo and Games and Amusements Board chairman Atty. Manuel S. Plaza III.

Capital1, which entered the lottery with the highest probability at 40 percent, settled for the second overall pick after previously selecting Bella Belen as the top choice last year.

Choco Mucho will draft third overall, while ZUS Coffee holds the fourth pick.

Completing the draft order are Akari, Nxled, Farm Fresh, PLDT, and Creamline.

A total of 42 aspirants are expected to participate in the Draft Combine scheduled from May 28 to 29 at the Gameville Ballpark in Mandaluyong City.

Among the standout prospects are Alyssa Solomon, Niña Ytang, Bernadett Pepito, Camilla Lamina, and Tin Ubaldo.

“I’m happy to see that the teams picking first change every year. With the additional applicants who joined at the last minute, I’m excited to see how the teams shape up this season,” Malonzo said.

Players who applied for the draft still have until June 1 to withdraw, two days before the official draft proper at Novotel Manila.