MANILA, Philippines – The Capital1 Solar Spikers have obtained the much-sought-after No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Rookie Draft, marking a significant step in fortifying their roster. The order of selection for the bottom four clubs from the previous PVL season was decided by the draft lottery, which took place on May 26 at the TV5 Media Center in Mandaluyong. Now that they have the first choice, Capital1 is well-positioned to change its course and become more competitive in the upcoming season.

The Solar Spikers had a 30% chance of winning the top choice when they entered the lottery. They didn’t have the best chances, but they beat the Nxled Chameleons, who had the best chance at 40 percent. Galeries Tower Highrisers completed the group with 10 percent odds, while Farm Fresh Foxies had a 20 percent chance. The 2024 Reinforced Conference and the 2024–2025 All-Filipino Conference combined team results were used to determine the order of selection, with the latter receiving a larger weight (two-thirds).

Following the announcement of the draw’s outcomes, Capital1 team owner Milka Romero expressed her excitement. Naturally, I am incredibly thrilled to be included in this draft. This would help us get better. We are in our second season and year. “This gives new teams the opportunity to equalize and improve alongside the other teams, which makes my sister [Mandy] and I very happy,” she said.

The league’s newest team, Capital1, is trying to bounce back from a difficult season in which they finished 11th in the 2024–25 All-Filipino Conference with a 1–13 win–loss record. Even though they could have done a better job on the court, the team now has a fantastic chance to start over and acquire elite players in the draft.

Mhicaela “Bella” Belen, a star at National University, is one name that is frequently mentioned as a possible first overall selection. Belen is regarded as the most accomplished talent in this year’s draft pool and has been named the UAAP Most Valuable Player three times. She is a transformative player who might make an early impact at the professional level with her dynamic offensive talent, court awareness, and leadership traits.

Belen’s involvement in the draft is still subject to change, though. According to sources, she is still considering her options even though she has submitted her name for consideration. She has until the PVL Draft Combine, which is set for May 30 to 31 at Paco Arena, to make a final decision. She will likely be Capital1’s primary target if she stays in the draft pool.

Belen is only one of several talented players from the NCAA and UAAP in the draft pool, along with foreign athletes of Filipino heritage. The draft is the biggest and most competitive pool in the PVL’s brief existence, with over 60 prospective professionals applying.

There are already elements in place at Capital1 that suggest promise. One of them is Leila Cruz, a former second overall pick who, in spite of minor knee ailments sustained during the previous season, showed moments of brilliance. A top-tier rookie might be the boost the team needs to move up the standings, especially with a core that is young and has potential.

Galeries Tower, which started with a mere 10 percent chance, rose to second overall in the draft order, trailing Capital1. Nxled Chameleons dropped to fourth place despite having the best odds, while Farm Fresh Foxies took the third choice. PLDT High Speed Hitters (9th), Akari Chargers (10th), Petro Gazz Angels (11th), Choco Mucho Flying Titans (7th), Chery Tiggo Crossovers (8th), ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles (5th), and the reigning champion Creamline Cool Smashers (12th) round out the first-round order.

One of the league’s key innovations, the PVL Rookie Draft is currently in its second year and aims to maintain parity while giving amateur athletes a clear route to the professional ranks. The draft system prevents teams from engaging in bidding wars and gives young players an equal chance to join the league in a controlled environment.

The actual draft is planned for June 8 at Quezon City’s Novotel Manila Araneta City. First-round selections must be offered a minimum three-year contract, and teams will have 15 days following the draft to make qualifying offers to their picks.