PVL president Ricky Palou believes Chery Tiggo’s sudden withdrawal from the league, coming just two years after F2 Logistics’ own exit, will not disrupt operations nor compromise the league’s competitive balance moving forward.
What gives Palou confidence despite two club disbandments in as many years is the league’s ongoing effort to address long-standing concerns of team owners, a process further strengthened by the leadership change within the sport’s national federation.
READ: All the Chery Tiggo players that will be dispersed in free agency
“I don't think there will be any adverse effect on the league,” Palou told SPIN.ph in a message after the Crossovers announced their abrupt disbandment on Tuesday, ending a five-year run in the professional ranks.
A key concern previously raised by PVL team owners was the refusal of the outoging Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) administration to issue international transfer certificates (ITCs) to their imports, a recurring hurdle that often delayed or complicated the activation of foreign reinforcements.
But with PVL official Tony Boy Liao set to take over the PNVF presidency in 2026, replacing beleaguered incumbent Ramon 'Tats' Suzara, Palou expects a more harmonious PVL–PNVF relationship that should ease tensions and eliminate long-running administrative bottlenecks.
“One of the main complaints of our team owners is the refusal of the former PNVF management to issue ITCs for their respective imports,” Palou said.
“With a new management in place, we feel this won't be a problem anymore.”
It is no secret that the cost of maintaining a PVL team has skyrocketed over the years. But as for Chery Tiggo’s departure, Palou said the move was driven purely by internal business decisions rather than league complications.
“I think Chery Tiggo management is pursuing a different marketing plan to promote its Foton and Chery Tiggo brands,” he noted, adding that the automotive group appears set to realign its sports investments after over a decade in local volleyball, including its multi-titled run in the Philippine Superliga as the Foton Tornadoes.
The exit places several Crossovers players, from veterans to newly drafted rookies, on track to become free agents once their separation agreements are finalized.
Search for a 12th PVL team
With the season-opening All-Filipino Conference scheduled for late January, questions naturally arise on whether the PVL will move quickly to fill the vacant 12th team slot.
Palou, however, says there is no rush.
“If we have credible applicants for the 12th slot, we will entertain them,” he said, leaving the door open as the rest of the 11 teams gear up for the 2026 PVL season less than two months from now.
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