CHICAGO - After a successful holding of the All-Filipino Conference where record crowds attended, you'd think things would calm down a bit as Christmas day beckons.
Fat chance.
Under the affable but assertive leadership of president RickyPalou, there's never a dull moment in the Philippine Volleyball League (PVL).
According to league sources, pending the finalization of talks, two billionaires are expected to acquire the franchises vacated by the recently disbanded F2 Logistics and the financially-challenged Gerflor Defenders.
READ Here's what will happen to F2 Logistics players after disbandment
Sorry to burst your bubble, but owing to the intensely private nature of the two business moguls, I will not name them today.
Here's what I can tell you, though. Both have strong ties to La Salle, a powerhouse in the collegiate women's volleyball scene.
In case you don't know, DLSU is gunning for back-to-back crowns in the UAAP while the College of St. Benilde, seeking a 3-peat, is nurturing a dynasty in the NCAA.
With the UAAP mens' basketball title also in their back pocket, La Salle's imperious green army of elite athletes is soon to invade the PVL.
This explains why one of the billionaires I'm referring to plans to absorb all of the displaced former Cargo Movers who are currently free agents. Most of those hard-spiking, high-leaping gals have roots in La Salle.
It's not known yet which of the billionaire's multifarious companies will headline in the PVL.
'MR. EVERYWHERE STRIKES AGAIN'
The second billionaire is a well-known figure in the Philippines' sporting community, someone I've 'written about before.
He is Mr. Everywhere, the philanthropist who played Santa Claus last month and paid over P2 million worth of salaries to players and staff of the Defenders who were allegedly abandoned by their former owners.
Unlike the other billionaire, Mr. Everywhere does not intend to keep any of the players from the previous franchise.
Mr. Everywhere wants a fresh start, I am told. He also hasn't decided yet which of his holdings will be thrust in the PVL
In a related development, a separate source in the PVL told me that Gardenia Bakeries is not having any active communication with the league as it pertains to owning a team.
The food giant's supposed entry is making the PVL rumor mill in recent days. And it quickly gained traction since its parent company based in Singapore is filthy rich and supposedly backed by oil money in the Middle East.
In a nutshell, here's what's going on in the PVL.
Two big franchises are out. Two tycoons are coming in to save the day
It's a win-win for the players, the league, the sponsors, and most importantly, the fans.
In the spirit of the holidays, the PVL is what you may call as the gift that keeps on giving.
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