Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 13) — Billionaire Frank Lao’s Strong Group Athletics (SGA) on Saturday announced its takeover of the Gerflor franchise in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL).
It will now be a sister team of Farm Fresh Foxies, which is also affiliated with Lao.
PVL President Ricky Palou said the tycoon took care of the unpaid salaries of the players of Gerflor Defenders.
\”We are truly thankful to Frank Lao and Strong Group Athletics for not only helping pay the salaries of the Gerflor Defenders last year but also for taking the bold step of starting a second team in the PVL,” said Palou in a statement.
The winless Defenders earlier called out the previous team management for their unpaid salaries and poor training conditions.
“Having a second team will lead to more opportunities for Filipino volleyball players and coaches,” said Lao.
“We believe in the potential of our athletes, and by providing additional platforms for them to showcase their talents, we are contributing to the growth of volleyball in the country,” he added.
SGA is known for its basketball team led by NBA star Dwight Howard, which competes in the 2024 Dubai International Basketball Championship.
