Retooled Capital1 enters ‘new era’ with 2nd pick

FILE–Capital1 looks to add another key piece as part of its “new era” in the upcoming PVL Rookie Draft.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — For the second time in the last three editions, Capital1 will pick second in the 2026 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Rookie Draft on June 3 at Novotel.

Despite having the highest odds of 40 percent, Capital1 slid to No. 2, with Galeries Tower winning the lottery on Monday night at TV5 Media Center.

Capital1 owner Mandy Romero was still grateful to own the rights to the second overall pick, with 42 players led by Alyssa Solomon, Lams Lamina, Niña Ytang, and Detdet Pepito eyeing a break in the pros.

READ: PVL: Galeries Tower wins lottery, gets first pick in draft

“We’re very, very happy, I think it’s really meant to be that we’re entering this new year of Capital1, and we really hope that everyone joins us in all of our ride,” said Romero. “We’ve had a lot of changes in the off-season, and hopefully, this next draft will bring together all the passion, the grit, and the fire that we need to be a champion contender. That’s our dream.”

Although they didn’t name their target prospect yet, Romero wants someone who can bring leadership and add much-needed firepower.

“We’re looking for someone who will play in the court, they’re ready to be part of this team, they’re ready and very determined to achieve our new heights together,” said Mandy, who owns the team with her sister Milka. “On behalf of my sister and I, we’re praying that we enter this 2026 as a completely ‘new era.’”

Last year, Capital1 earned the first overall pick despite getting a 30% chance and drafted Bella Belen, who emerged as the face of the franchise in just two conferences played.

READ: Alyssa Solomon, UAAP stars banner PVL Rookie Draft pool

Belen played her best outing yet in the All-Filipino Conference to become the top rookie and Best Outside Spiker. She will be crowned Rookie of the Year and Season’s Best Outside Spiker on Saturday at the 2nd Pilipinas Live PVL Press Corps Awards.

Capital1 just surrounded Belen with MVPs Vanie Gandler and Erika Santos, and now it has another chance to add another talent in the draft.

“It’s all a matter of, again, prayers, chance, but at the same time having the culture that we’re building here at Capital1. I’m very proud, my sister is very proud to say that the players we have feel like they’re part of the team here, feeling like we’re building a franchise together, and they’re excited to be part of the still the youngest team here in the PVL. We hope to sustain that and that we’ll continue to again reach this new chapter together,” she said.