The Creamline Cool Smashers arrive in Ilagan City, Isabela in time for the opening of the PVL On Tour on Wednesday.
Photograph courtesy of PVL
High-octane spiking erupts Wednesday as the 2027 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) On Tour Showdown takes place in Ilagan City, Isabela.
Four of the league’s top teams kick off hostilities in the seven-stop preseason tour that promises competitive matches, innovative rules and a closer connection with fans across the country.
Following the opening leg in Ilagan, the tour will continue in Batangas on 11 July, Vigan City, Ilocos Sur on 25 July, Polomolok, South Cotabato on 1 August, City of Santiago on 8 August, Lanao del Norte on 15 August, before concluding on 22 August in a province that will be announced at a later date.
The preseason showcase will once again highlight the league's commitment to expanding its reach beyond Metro Manila while providing clubs with meaningful competition ahead of the new PVL season.
"The PVL on Tour is our way, together with the teams, of bringing the game closer to our fans during the preseason. It allows supporters from different parts of the country to experience PVL volleyball firsthand, while giving our teams valuable opportunities to build chemistry and prepare for the season ahead," said PVL Control Committee chairman Sherwin Malonzo.
Adding further incentive to every contest, each winning team in the PVL On Tour Showdown will receive P100,000, while the losing side will still take home P50,000, ensuring that every preseason match will still be competitive.
To emphasize player development and maximize participation, the PVL has introduced a mandatory playing-time rule for the On Tour matches.
All 14 players on each team's roster must see action by the end of the second set, with every player required to participate in at least three rallies before the conclusion of the frame. After the second set, coaches will have full discretion over their lineups, with modified substitution rules remaining in effect.
The league also reaffirmed its policy regarding national team athletes.
Players who are officially part of the Philippine national team delegation for an international tournament, or those actively engaged in official national team activities, will not be allowed to suit up in PVL On Tour matches.
National team members may only participate if they are not included in an official delegation and there are no scheduled national team commitments.
Adding more excitement to this year's preseason is the Premier Ball, a special two-point rally designed to inject strategic drama into matches that was introduced during the All-Star Game.