Capital1 lands top pick in 2025 PVL Draft

Capital1 will usher in a new chapter after securing the first overall pick in the 2025 Premier Volleyball League Draft Lottery held Monday evening at the TV5 Media Center in Mandaluyong.

The result gives the Solar Spikers a prime opportunity to strengthen their roster with top-tier young talent.

Entering the lottery with a 30-percent chance of landing the top pick, Capital1 benefited from a draft order determined by the combined results of the 2024 Reinforced Conference (accounting for one-third of the calculation) and the 2024–25 All-Filipino Conference (contributing the remaining two-thirds).

This coveted position gives the Solar Spikers a valuable chance to add a key piece to their young and steadily developing core, which is currently led by former second overall pick Leila Cruz.

“First of all, thank you, Michele (Gumabao),” quipped Capital1 team owner Milka Romero, after the 2024 PVL Invitational Conference MVP drew Capital1 during the lottery.

“Of course, I’m so honored to be part of this draft. For us, this would help us improve. This is our second year and our second season. My sister (Mandy) and I are very happy because this gives new teams to equalize and get better along with the other teams.”

Three-time UAAP MVP Bella Belen is widely regarded as the top prospect in the upcoming draft and is expected by many to be the frontrunner for the first overall selection.

However, her draft status remains uncertain, as she continues to weigh her options and has not made a final decision about her future. She can withdraw until the draft combine set  from May 30-31 at Paco Arena.

Galeries Tower, which had only two balls in the lottery, secured the second overall pick. The Highrisers also picked third in last year’s draft, using that selection to acquire Julia Coronel.

Meanwhile, Farm Fresh defied the odds to climb into the third overall slot, despite having just a 10-percent chance of landing a top-three pick.

In contrast, Nxled, who held the highest probability at 40 percent, slid down to the fourth pick in a result that turned what was expected to be a triumphant evening into one of frustration and disappointment for the Chameleons.

ZUS Coffee, which made Thea Gagate the No. 1 overall pick last year, is a testament to how impactful the draft can be for rebuilding teams.

The Thunderbelles made waves with their performance in the recent All-Filipino Conference and will aim to sustain that momentum with the fifth pick this year.

Cignal follows behind in sixth.

Choco Mucho edged Chery Tiggo in a tiebreaker to secure the seventh pick, relegating the Crossovers to the eighth slot.

PLDT, meanwhile, holds the ninth overall pick.

Akari won its own tiebreaker against All-Filipino Conference champion Petro Gazz, retaining the 10th spot.

The Angels will select 11th.

For the second consecutive draft, Creamline will select last at 12th overall.