Nelson Morales

PVL: Nxled's revamp for 2026 season turns heads as AFC action looms

Article (news)

ABS-CBN News

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1769504428582nx.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960" alt="Volleyball stars Brooke Van Sickle, MJ Phillips, and Myla Pablo donning the Nxled uniform in practice, January 15, 2026. Kennedy Caacbay, ABS-CBN News"/>Volleyball stars Brooke Van Sickle, MJ Phillips, and Myla Pablo donning the Nxled uniform in practice, January 15, 2026. Kennedy Caacbay, ABS-CBN News</div>MANILA — The Nxled Chameleons made the most noise in the offseason of the Premier Volleyball League (PVL), undergoing a massive rebuild by acquiring the core of the Petro Gazz Angels for the upcoming 2026 All-Filipino Conference.Three-time PVL MVP Brooke Van Sickle will now wear the neon green alongside two-time MVP Myla Pablo and two-time Finals MVP MJ Phillips, going in as technically the defending champions of the all-Pinoy tourney.<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/volleyball/2026/1/15/pvl-nxled-welcomes-ex-petro-gazz-players-brooke-van-sickle-mj-phillips-myla-pablo-1354">READ: PVL: Nxled welcomes ex-Petro Gazz players Brooke Van Sickle, MJ Phillips, Myla Pablo </a></div>Joining them are former Angels Jules Tolentino, Jonah Sabete, Djanel Cheng, Nicole Tiamzon, Bang Pineda, Ranya Musa, AA Adolfo, and Jellie Tempiatura, as well as Aduke Ogunsanya, Aby Maraño, and Joyme Cagande.Retained in the team are the Chameleons&#x27; core of Lyann De Guzman, Chiara Permentilla, Krich Macaslang, Mayang Nuique, Lucille Almone, EJ Laure, and Jovelyn Fernandez. Tasked to make this team live up to its billing is Italian head coach Ettore Guidetti.Meanwhile, Capital1 is determined for a breakthrough.The Solar Spikers 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.They 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.<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/volleyball/2026/1/15/pvl-mj-phillips-excited-for-new-chapter-with-nxled-my-favorite-color-is-green-1457">READ: PVL: MJ Phillips excited for new chapter with Nxled — &#x27;My favorite color is green&#x27;</a></div>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.

The Nxled Chameleons made the most noise in the offseason of the Premier Volleyball League, undergoing a massive rebuild by acquiring the core of the Petro Gazz Angels for the upcoming 2026 All-Filipino Conference. #PVL2026

The Nxled Chameleons made the most noise in the offseason of the Premier Volleyball League, undergoing a massive rebuild by acquiring the core of the Petro Gazz Angels for the upcoming 2026 All-Filipino Conference. #PVL2026