Sixteen of the country’s top collegiate volleyball squads are gearing up for action in the 2025 Shakey’s Super League (SSL) Preseason Unity Cup, which opens on September 20 at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
The competition brings together a mix of six UAAP contenders and all 10 NCAA teams, ensuring a high-level showcase of talent from across the collegiate ranks. Four-time defending champion National University headlines the UAAP delegation, joined by Ateneo, Far Eastern University, University of Santo Tomas, Adamson, and the University of the Philippines. Representing the NCAA are Arellano, Emilio Aguinaldo College, Jose Rizal University, Letran, Mapua, San Beda, San Sebastian, Perpetual Help, and Lyceum.
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Tournament Format and Lineups
Notably absent this season are De La Salle University, last year’s runner-up, and the University of the East, both of which opted to skip the competition as they continue rebuilding their rosters. Despite their absence, organizers expect the tournament to maintain its high level of competitiveness.
“We are happy to continue to grow the sport of volleyball and are looking forward to another successful tournament,” said Dr. Ian Laurel, president and chairman of Athletic Events and Sports Management Inc. (ACES), during the official press launch.
The SSL will once again adopt its “all-to-play” system, which guarantees floor time for every athlete in the roster. This format gives coaches more flexibility in testing lineups while also providing younger players with valuable experience.
Road to the Championship
The 16 squads will first be divided into four groups, with the top two from each bracket advancing to the next stage. The succeeding round will feature two pools playing in a round-robin to determine seeding for the quarterfinal crossover. The semifinals and bronze medal match will be single-elimination, while the championship will be decided in a best-of-three series.
Organizers and sponsors from Shakey’s Pizza Asia Ventures Inc., PLDT, Smart Communications, and ASICS Philippines were also present at the launch, underscoring their continued commitment to supporting grassroots volleyball.
With powerhouse squads and a development-focused format, this year’s SSL Preseason Unity Cup promises another exciting stage for the country’s rising volleyball stars.
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