Newest PVL team NXLED Chameleons.
MANILA, Philippines — The Premier Volleyball League (PVL) continues to expand as the NXLED Chameleons become the 12th professional team ahead of the season-ending All-Filipino Conference in October.
The newest pro team on Thursday made an announcement that it is formally joining the PVL starting in the second All-Filipino Conference this 2023 season.
“We would like to thank the PVL for accepting NXLED as the newest team in the country’s only professional volleyball league. We hope to build a competitive NXLED team and also look forward to having a stronger partnership with Ricky Palou and the whole PVL organization,” said Akari Sports Director Russel Balbacal in a statement.
NXLED is a sub-brand of Akari Lighting and Technology Corporation, joining last Invitational Conference newcomers Gerflor, Foton, and Farm Fresh.
With the Chameleons joining the Chargers, the PVL has now four sister teams in the roster including Rebisco’s Creamline and Choco Mucho, Manny V. Pangilinan teams Cignal and PLDT, and Chery Tiggo and Foton.
AKARI PLAYERS
FILE–Akari Charges in the PVL Invitational Conference. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
Inquirer sources bared that NXLED will be composed of other Akari players as its sister team will move some of its members to form the franchise’s new squad.
Chery Tiggo made the same move before the Invitationals, shipping Shaya Adorador, Jasmine Nabor, Seth Rodriguez, and four other former Crossovers to the Foton Tornadoes.
Although they have yet to reveal their coach and players, Balbacal vows to form a competitive squad in their long-term commitment to the PVL.
“We are envisioning the NXLED Chameleons to be a team that will easily adjust to any opponent they face in the PVL,” said Balbacal. “We are committed to forming a very competitive team in this new endeavor of ours because this is not just a one-shot deal. We are guaranteeing to the PVL and fans alike that this team will be in the league for the long term.”
The third conference will mark the first-year anniversary of the Akari Chargers in the PVL after debuting in the Reinforced Conference in 2022.
The management decided to form another team to continue boosting Philippine volleyball.
“Of course, the obvious reason that we are forming NXLED is because we want to market the brand. The PVL has proven to be a strong platform for brands to promote their products,” the Akari Sports Director said. “More importantly, Akari has been a staunch supporter of Philippine volleyball for the past few years. Having a second team will help provide more jobs for players and coaches alike.”
PVL president Ricky Palou already hinted last week that they are open to expanding the league to 12 teams as long as the squad will be committed for the long haul.
The second All-Filipino Conference will start either October 16 or 17 with the teams clashing in a single round-robin elimination round. The top four will advance to the best-of-three semifinals, while the finalists will clash in another race-to-two series for the championship.
The league is eyeing getting more playing dates at Smart Araneta Coliseum and Mall of Asia Arena, while Philsports Arena will continue to host its matches.