Manila: National University eyes the crown and the PHP1 million cash prize that goes with it in the 2026 Shakey's Super League (SSL) Unity Cup, which kicks off on Sept. 25 at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum. The four-time champion Lady Bulldogs will be facing a tough challenge from six UAAP squads and 10 NCAA teams in the tournament supported by Shakey's Pizza Asia Ventures Inc. (SPAVI).
According to Philippines News Agency, podium finishers will receive cash prizes this year, with the champion earning PHP1 million, while the runner-up and the third-placer getting PHP600,000 and PHP300,000, respectively. Individual award winners get PHP10,000 each, while the tournament Most Valuable Player will receive PHP30,000 cash.
Ian Laurel, president and chairman of SSL organizer Athletic Events and Sports Management, Inc. (ACES), expressed his intentions for the tournament, noting, 'After our successful staging of the Shakey's Girls Volleyball Invitational League and the National Invitationals to start the season, of course, we want this year's Unity Cup to be bigger, thrilling, and explosive,' during the event launch Wednesday at Shakey's Quezon Avenue. Present at the event were SPAVI president and CEO Vic Gregorio, SPAVI general manager Oliver Sicam, and SPAVI marketing head Regina Asa, alongside coaches and key players from participating teams.
Gregorio highlighted Shakey's long-standing support for volleyball, stating, 'Since 2004, Shakey's has been there supporting the growth and development of the sport here in the country. And Shakey's continues that commitment through the staging of the SSL.'
Reigning UAAP champion De La Salle University will not participate due to injuries among its key players. The 17 squads are divided into four pools to play in a single-round robin format in the preliminary round. NU is in Pool A with San Beda University, Arellano University, University of Perpetual Help, and NCAA champion Letran College. Pool B includes newly crowned SSL National Invitationals champion University of Santo Tomas, College of Saint Benilde, Jose Rizal University, and Mapua University.
Far Eastern University, Ateneo De Manila University, Emilio Aguinaldo College, and San Sebastian College-Recoletos make up Pool C. Pool D consists of Adamson University, University of the Philippines, Lyceum University of the Philippines, and University of the East, which returns after skipping last year's edition.
The top two teams from each pool will proceed to the next round, where they will be divided into two groups for additional round-robin play. Points from the preliminary round will be added to determine rankings for the quarterfinals. The top two-ranked squads after this round will have a twice-to-beat advantage in the crossover quarterfinals. Both the semifinals and battle for bronze are knockout affairs, with the championship being a best-of-three series.
The tournament maintains its unique all-to-play format, requiring every player on a team's game roster to participate. In alignment with international standards, the league will implement the latest video challenge system with animated replay visualization to capture contested plays in more detail. The system will be available for use in the second round. Laurel commented on these advancements, 'Of course, we want teams to experience playing under international standards through innovations and the latest volleyball technology.'
