F2 Logistics' decision to disband its professional volleyball team came as a shock for most fans, even if rumors about it have been going around for months.
That the forwarding logistics company decided to 'put a halt' to the team rather than sell the franchise lock, stock and barrel came as a bigger shock, considering there are a long line of companies wanting a Premier Volleyball League (PVL) franchise.
Surely, a team with a winning legacy like F2 Logistics, not to mention a loyal fanbase and some of the best volleyball players in the country, will be coveted by interested parties, much like Alaska's PBA franchise was years ago.
READ KKD on F2 Logistics' disbandment: 'Wish it was just a bad dream'
"I have no idea," said a league insider when asked about F2 Logistics, "and a bigger question for me was why they didn't sell it."
As the disbandment of one of the most successful volleyball teams in the country sink in, the question most fans are asking is on what will happen to Kim Dy, Aby Marano, Dawn Macandili and the rest of the F2 Logistics stars.
Free agents
In the PBA or most pro leagues, players of a disbanded team are placed in a dispersal draft among the remaining member clubs, with the teams in the bottom getting first crack at the pool.
However, PVL chief Ricky Palou said a dispersal draft is still in the pipeline for the pioneering volleyball pro league, which expects to roll it out by next year along with a salary cap and a first-ever rookie draft.
But in the absence of a dispersal draft and a salary cap, Palou said all F2 Logistics players will automatically turn free agents, meaning they can sign for any team that they wish to join under whatever terms.
The scenario should be different next year when the PVL finally implements a long-overdue salary cap by mid-year, just in time for its first-ever rookie draft. Both the draft and salary cap were supposed to be in place this season but were pushed back a year upon the request of team owners.
"By next year, andyan na mga 'yan, before the start of the season," said Palou.
But for now, a bidding war is expected as Kim Dy and Co. turn free agents. Will the signings cause a power shift in the PVL?
Let's see.
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