Philippine Superliga (PSL) powerhouse squads Chery Tiggo and Sta. Lucia have made their move to the professionalized Premier Volleyball League (PVL) on Tuesday, March 9.

“Both Chery Tiggo and Sta. Lucia have confirmed joining the PVL,” league president Ricky Palou confirmed to Rappler.

Sta. Lucia also officially announced it had found a new home in the PVL on their social media pages.

“The Sta. Lucia Lady Realtors will be taking on a new challenge as we officially join the Premier Volleyball League today! This is something new. This is exciting for the team and the fans,” posted the Lady Realtors.

According to Palou, the PVL now has a total of 11 teams that will see action in its first professional season.

The PVL president revealed that Philippine Air Force decided to back out after expressing its interest to join the country’s first professional volleyball league.

“We’re still at 11 teams as Air Force decided not to join. The team is not ready yet,” added Palou.

Sta. Lucia and Chery Tiggo will be joining three-time titlist Creamline, Choco Mucho, Petro Gazz, Banko-Perlas, BaliPure/Chef’s Classics, PLDT, Cignal, Philippine Army and Unlimited Athletes Club in the league that is set to open in a bubble on May 8.

Initially targeting to open the season with only 7 teams, the PVL has now decided to move the April 10 start date to May in order to accommodate the needs of the additional teams.

Last February 4, the PVL struck a 3-year broadcast deal with Cignal TV after being aired on ABS-CBN Sports since 2018. – Rappler.com