MANILA, Philippines — The Premier Volleyball League offseason was anything but quiet, as teams across the league made aggressive, sometimes franchise-altering moves in preparation for the 2026 All-Filipino Conference blasting off this weekend in San Juan.
From sweeping rebuilds to targeted upgrades, front offices turned the player market into a battleground, reshaping rosters and recalibrating expectations in what promises to be the most wide-open conference in years.
Among all the movers, no team has generated more intrigue than Nxled. After a forgettable 2025 campaign that saw the Chameleons languish near – or at – the bottom of the standings in both the All-Filipino and Reinforced Conferences, the franchise opted for nothing less than a full-scale reset.
That came into focus following the surprise leave of absence taken by Petro Gazz, the reigning champion in both conferences of the league organized by Sports Vision. What followed was one of the boldest offseason makeovers the league has ever seen, transforming Nxled from an evolving roster into an instant contender almost overnight.
Once built around promising young players and rotational pieces, the Chameleons now boast a core loaded with championship pedigree. Headlining the overhaul are three-time league MVP Brooke Van Sickle, two-time MVP Myla Pablo and two-time Finals MVP MJ Phillips – a trio capable of carrying any team deep into the postseason.
Nxled doubled down by reuniting several former Petro Gazz Angels, including Jules Tolentino, Jonah Sabete, Djanel Cheng, Nicole Tiamzon, Bang Pineda, Ranya Musa, AA Adolfo and Jellie Tempiatura, giving the squad built-in chemistry and a championship mindset.
The additions of middle blockers Aduke Ogunsanya and Aby Maraño, along with Joyme Cagande, further strengthened the roster’s balance across all positions.
Crucially, these veterans complement – rather than replace – a promising homegrown core led by Lyann De Guzman, Chiara Permentilla, Krich Macaslang, Mayang Nuique, Lucille Almone, EJ Laure and Jovelyn Fernandez. If the blend of experience and youth clicks, Nxled’s rise could be both immediate and sustained.
Italian head coach Ettore Guidetti understands the challenge ahead, noting that managing a talent-rich roster comes with its own pressures. Still, his experience – now in its 32nd professional year – may be exactly what Nxled needs to channel individual brilliance into collective success.
On paper, the Chameleons look like a championship threat. In practice, the question will be how quickly the pieces gel under the league’s new format, where depth, adaptability and late-season momentum matter more than ever. If Nxled finds rhythm early, it could complete one of the most dramatic turnarounds in PVL history.
Capital1 also made clear strides toward contention, building decisively around last year’s top overall pick Bella Belen. The three-time UAAP MVP made an immediate impact in her rookie PVL campaign, leading the Solar Spikers to the Reinforced Conference quarterfinals and signaling the start of a new era for the franchise.
Determined to accelerate that rise, Capital1 surrounded Belen with seasoned reinforcements, headlined by former Chery Tiggo middle blocker Pauline Gaston and ex-Choco Mucho standout Cherry Nunag. Their presence adds stability and frontline toughness to a roster that previously leaned heavily on its star rookie.
The Solar Spikers also added Jasmine Nabor, Shaya Adorador, Ezra Madrigal, France Ronquillo, Ysa Jimenez and Rachel Jorvina, providing depth, versatility and much-needed experience. With a more balanced attack, Capital1 enters the conference poised to take another step forward.
After consecutive 12th-place finishes, Galeries Tower is likewise determined to rewrite its narrative. The Highrisers overhauled nearly everything, bringing in 14 new players and an entirely new coaching staff in hopes of finally escaping the league’s cellar.
Veteran leaders Aiza Pontillas, Erika Raagas and Jules Samonte headline the rebuild, joined by Alas Pilipinas standout Julia Coronel and last year’s second overall pick Jean Asis. The influx of talent suggests Galeries Tower may finally field its most competitive roster since entering the league in 2023.
New head coach Clarence Esteban faces the challenge of forging chemistry from a roster filled with fresh faces, but early signs point to a team capable of at least breaking into the middle tier – and perhaps surprising a few contenders along the way.
Fresh off its first-ever Finals appearance, ZUS Coffee enters 2026 believing the hardest part is already behind it. The Thunderbelles, led by AC Miner, Thea Gagate, Riza Nogales, Jovelyn Gonzaga, Chai Troncoso, Fiola Ceballos, Chinnie Arroyo and ace setter Cloanne Mondonedo, return with confidence and continuity.
Coach Jerry Yee is banking on growth and cohesion, trusting that his mix of veterans and rising stars is ready for another title push – this time with the experience of a Finals run fueling their belief.
Meanwhile, Farm Fresh continues its steady ascent after posting its best elimination-round finish to date. Alongside ZUS Coffee under the Strong Group Athletics (SGA) umbrella, the Foxies aim to build on last season’s momentum.
SGA bolstered both squads by signing a wealth of proven veterans, including Ara Galang, Mylene Paat, Imee Hernandez, Remy Palma, Chie Saet, Cess Robless, Royse Tubino, Bia general, Renee Peñafiel and Karen Verdeflor. How these players will ultimately be distributed remains undecided, adding intrigue to an already stacked field.
With a new format offering more pathways to the medal round, the 2026 All-Filipino Conference shapes up as a test of adaptability as much as talent. On paper, Nxled’s transformation stands out – but as history has shown, the only predictable thing in the PVL is its unpredictability. TMT