The Maharlika Pilipinas Volleyball Association eyes a return in April 2024 with a longer season and more teams coming in.
A source bared to DAILY TRIBUNE that organizers of the league created by eight-division boxing champion and former Senator Manny Pacquiao are looking at a bigger second season.
“Senator Pacquiao is yet to meet with the shareholders to decide the specifics of the next season. But based on his vision of staging a longer tournament the organizers estimate it to begin by (late) March or April,” the source said.
MPVA’s inaugural season was a resounding success as it stayed true to its mission of showcasing community-based talents playing alongside upcoming collegiate stars and former pro players.
From eight teams, organizers expect to expand to 12 up to 14 teams.
“Senator Manny wants to have one tournament for the whole year. One winner per year. So (in this setup) organizers would accommodate more teams. There are already four other teams that have shown interest in joining the league,” the source said.
Teams from Manila, Quezon City, Batangas and Zamboanga have expressed interest in fielding entries along with another team from Laguna and Bulacan.
The source added that with a long season, teams would be allowed to have up to 25 players in their pool so that they would have available pieces all year long including student-athletes. They can submit 14 names per playdate.
With its unique home-and-away format, the MPVA has brought volleyball action closer to the public.
Bacoor City Strikers ruled the maiden tournament of the league after beating Negros Oriental in the best-of-three finals series that went the full distance.
Marikina took bronze at the expense of Rizal Xentro Mall.
Other pioneering teams were Caloocan, San Juan, Biñan and Nasipit.
