THE PVL unveiled the final 38 aspirants hoping to hear their names called in the 2026 Rookie Draft set for Wednesday, 7 p.m., at Novotel Manila Araneta City.
The final list also confirms the withdrawal of four notable applicants led by former consensus No. 1 pick Alyssa Solomon, University of the Philippines star Niña Ytang and Letran standouts Lara Mae Silva and Natalie Estreller.
READ: Like Solomon, Niña Ytang exits PVL Draft to focus on Alas Women
All four opted to withdraw from the draft and fully commit to Alas Pilipinas Women duties, dramatically reshaping the top of the draft board just days before selections are made.
Their exits leave the PVL with its smallest rookie draft class yet at 38 applicants, a significant drop from last year's 47-player pool and the 57 aspirants who entered the inaugural draft in 2024.
Despite the reduced field, the draft remains rich in collegiate talent led by National University setter Lams Lamina, UST libero Bernadett "Detdet" Pepito, former NCAA Best Middle Blocker Nicole Ong of Mapua, FEU setter Tin Ubaldo, UST wingers Jonna Perdido and Xyza Gula and UE standout Khy Cepada.
The UAAP contingent is once again expected to dominate the early rounds, also featuring the likes of Ann Asis, and Florize Papa (FEU), Kayce Balingit and Tin Ecalla (UE), Ela Raagas, Michelle Beterina and Sophia Sindayen (La Salle), Irah Jaboneta, Heart Magsombol, Joan Monares and Jum Gayo (UP) along with Ateneo's Taks Fujimoto.
The NCAA crop is also bannered by the likes Grace Cabadin of Mapua, Julienne Castro of Letran, Johna Dolorito, Janeth Tulang and Jericha Lopez of Lyceum, Gayle Batara and Marianne Aloña of JRU, Erin Navarro of San Beda, Fianne Ariola of Perpetual, Christina Marasigan, Kristine Dionisio, and Katherine Santos of San Sebastian.
Representing schools outside Metro Manila are Angel Galinato of the University of San Carlos, Kirsty Destajo of the University of Nueva Caceres-Sorsogon, Lyca Dela Peña of PUP, and Immaculada Concepcion College standouts Jesska Sacay and Marjorie Orpilla.
Completing the pool is Filipino-American Jade Fuentes of Cal State Dominguez Hills, the lone overseas-based applicant in this year's draft.
With Solomon and Ytang no longer in the mix, the race for the No. 1 pick has become one of the most unpredictable in recent memory as teams prepare to make their selections in a draft class that may be the smallest yet, but still boasts enough talent to reshape the league's future.
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