Capital1 explores options if Belen withdraws from PVL Draft

Bella Belen as top overall pick is a no-brainer, but Capital1 is keeping its cards close to its chest just in case the talented winger chooses to withdraw from the 2025 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Rookie Draft.

The three-time University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Most Valuable Player was among the 60 aspirants who signed up for the Draft slated on 8 June.

Belen, however, initially declared that she’s still weighing her options of pursuing a career in the PVL or trying her luck to play overseas.

Capital1, owned by businesswomen and sisters Milka and Mandy Romero, has expressed interest in landing the top prospect after drawing the rights for the No. 1 overall pick during the Draft Lottery held Monday night at the TV5 Media Center in Mandaluyong.

“I take it day by day. Of course, she’s on the shortlist. That’s what I can say,” Milka Romero said.

In an earlier interview, the 22-year-old open spiker Belen said she’s unsure of her next move and would wait until the Draft Combine that will run from Friday to Saturday at the Paco Arena to decide.

The Solar Spikers could still opt for other outstanding talents if Belen backed out.

“Of course, we have a shortlist. We’re looking between some players that we want for that first draft pick. We still have a Combine. We don’t want also to bring our hopes up. We want to see everyone from the technical, statistical and performance point of view on who will be that first pick for Capital1,” Romero said.

The final list of Draft prospects will be released on 4 June.

Galeries Tower will pick second overall, followed by Farm Fresh, Nxled, ZUS Coffee, Cignal, Choco Mucho, Chery Tiggo, PLDT, Akari, Petro Gazz and Creamline.