Risa Sato returns to PVL, begins new chapter with Akari Chargers
Eleven-time PVL champion Risa Sato returns to action after signing with the Akari Chargers ahead of the upcoming Premier Volleyball League (PVL) season.
“Welcome to Akari, Risa Sato! Ready to bring in her championship experience and energy, Risa will be a huge boost for the Chargers. Let’s go,” Akari wrote in an official announcement on Thursday.
The Filipina-Japanese middle blocker is expected to bring her championship pedigree and veteran leadership to Akari as the team eyes a breakthrough in the PVL on Tour 2026.
She joins a formidable rotation featuring former Creamline teammate Ced Domingo, Fifi Sharma, Cza Carandang, and newcomer Sharya Ancheta.
Sato has won 11 PVL championships in total—one with BaliPure in 2017 and 10 with Creamline—cementing her status as one of the league’s most decorated players.
The middle blocker makes her long-awaited return to the league after giving birth to her first child last November and following the disbandment of her former team, Chery Tiggo, in December.
Akari Chargers will begin its PVL on Tour 2026 campaign against ZUS Coffee on Wednesday (July 8) in Ilagan, Isabela.
