Two Teams to Join PSL: The Pros and Cons

Right now, the Philippine SuperLiga (PSL) is made up of eight teams but that doesn't mean it will stay that way in the next couple of years. While there were many teams in the women's division of the league that got dissolved with the most recent one being the Cherrylume back in 2017, there's always the possibility of new teams joining the field which could increase the level of competition.

And in last Saturday's episode of Usapang PSL, PSL Chairman Philip Juico revealed that yes, there are organizations who have shown interest in joining the PSL. And apparently, two teams are seeking to join the league in time for its possible resumption which PSL President Ian Laurel said that the league is hoping to happen in October this year. And while Juico didn't identify the said new teams, he hinted that one already has an existing team in the league while the other has a tie-up with a multi-industry company. 

A league adding new teams into the fold isn't new as we've seen major leagues worldwide expanding continuously. In fact, then-rebranded National Basketball Association (NBA) started with just 17 teams and now, the grandest basketball league on the planet is now made up of 30 squads with rumors of new teams showing interest in joining the league. And like in anything that we do, there are pros and cons to consider in adding new teams in a league such as the PSL.

For starters, more teams competing in the PSL will provide more employment opportunities for collegiate volleyball players who want to pursue the sport as a career path. After all, it's one of the missions of the league: to provide an additional platform for players to play in after college as before the establishment of the league, college volleyball players had nowhere else to go. Aside from providing more teams for aspiring players to play for, adding new teams will mean more workers in the industry will be able to work. It's one of the most important pros of adding new teams int any league. 

Another one of those pros that one has to consider in adding new teams to any sports league is that new teams will mean more competition. While this one will depend on how competitive the teams will be once they hit the court, this will excite fans as they will see new teams try to compete against the bests of the best. And for continuously growing sports such as volleyball in the Philippines, this will be a welcome development both for the sports and for the fans. 

However, adding new teams has its cons too. For one, more teams will mean more games and, more games will mean a longer schedule for the season. While this isn't entirely a bad thing. this will mean that teams will need to adjust their finances in order for them to adapt into the new schedule. Also, if the league doesn't want a longer season, the schedule of games will be tighter which could be a potential challenge especially for teams whose players are still recovering from injuries. There's also the challenge of fatigue.

Fortunately, PSL Chairman Philip Juico has said that further discussions with the said interested parties will allow both sides to get a clearer look at how the league will look if they are are to add the said teams. And while they will need to find the best balance while taking into consideration how the current teams feel about the impending addition, it still excites volleyball fans that they will be able to witness more teams join the party in the PSL. And who knows? It might even lead to a bigger Unity Cup. 

Photo is from ESPN