The short version
- El Nuevo Día and NotiCel reported that the new operators of the Criollos and Criollas basketball teams acquired the Criollas de Caguas volleyball franchise after a two-year negotiation process with previous owner Francisco “Furiel” Ramos
- Juan Carlos Núñez remains as head coach of the volleyball team and was officially welcomed during a press conference on Wednesday, Nov. 4
- Omar Vargas stated the group aims to continue the legacy left by Ramos and to develop youth categories in both basketball and volleyball in Caguas
- The organization now controls three professional teams in Puerto Rico’s top leagues: BSN, BSNF and LVSF
New Era for Historic Franchise
A new chapter began for the Criollas de Caguas of the Liga de Voleibol Superior Femenino (LVSF) as the franchise passed to the ownership group that already manages the city’s men’s and women’s professional basketball teams. El Nuevo Día reported that the change was announced on Wednesday, Nov. 4, at a press conference attended by the new management and the three head coaches of the organization.
The group, led by businessman Ric Elías, partner John Herrero and general manager Omar Vargas, took control of the men’s basketball franchise in 2024, added the women’s basketball team in 2025 by relocating the Montañeras de Morovis, and has now incorporated the volleyball squad. Vargas told reporters the acquisition carries the responsibility of continuing the legacy built by Ramos over 17 years. NotiCel reported that the negotiations began in 2024 after Ramos gave his word that he would eventually sell the team.
Also on PuertoRico.com: Caguas travel guide
What the sources posted
Posts and statements below are the sources' own words, quoted as published. They are not independently verified.
El objetivo de los Criollos es el mismo de siempre; aportar al país, al deporte y, sobre todo, al pueblo cagüeño que siempre nos ha apoyado y nos ha hecho sentir en casa
Our translation: The objective of the Criollos is the same as always; to contribute to the country, to sport and, above all, to the people of Caguas who have always supported us and made us feel at home.
The source's own statement, as quoted by NotiCel. Not verified by PuertoRico.com.
Coach Núñez Stays On
Juan Carlos Núñez, who has coached the Criollas since being hired by Ramos during the 2013 playoffs, will remain in charge. El Nuevo Día reported that Núñez expressed both nostalgia for his 13 years with the previous administration and gratitude for the opportunity with the new owners. He received a team polo from Wilhelmus Caanen, coach of the men’s basketball team, and posed with the organization’s new emblem.
Núñez told the newspaper he had already interacted with the other coaches and admired the structure and commitment shown to basketball players. “I am grateful for the welcome… I know they are going to bring many positive things for volleyball,” he said. Vargas, Herrero and representatives from each team, including players Christian “Cuco” López, Denisse Solís and Diana Reyes, were present at the event.
Focus on Youth and Community
Vargas told both outlets that the objective remains to contribute to Puerto Rican sports and especially to the people of Caguas. He said the new stage will have a positive impact by creating healthy family activities and developing minor categories in basketball and volleyball. The group is still awaiting formal approval from the Federación Puertorriqueña de Voleibol.
Herrero told El Nuevo Día that the organization had long admired the volleyball franchise’s history and that Vargas had maintained contact with Ramos until the deal was finalized. When asked about possibly expanding further, Herrero laughed off questions about baseball but confirmed the group’s interest in impacting youth sports in the city.
Where the sources differ
Both El Nuevo Día and NotiCel agree that the ownership group of the Criollos and Criollas basketball teams acquired the LVSF Criollas de Caguas, that Juan Carlos Núñez remains head coach, and that the deal concluded after negotiations that began in 2024. El Nuevo Día provides more detail on the Wednesday press conference, quotes from Núñez and Herrero, the presentation of the new polo and emblem, and the presence of players from all three teams. NotiCel emphasizes the 15 championships won by the franchise, Vargas’s comments on family activities and youth development, and that formal approval from the volleyball federation is still pending. The sources do not conflict on any facts.
What the reports do not say
The reports do not disclose the financial terms of the transaction, the exact date the sale was signed, whether any players will be added or released for the 2027 LVSF season, or specific plans and timelines for the youth development programs in Caguas. They also do not mention the reaction of former owner Francisco “Furiel” Ramos beyond the fact that he decided it was the right time to sell.
Sources
Every link below was opened and checked when this story was published. Official means a government body, agency or the organization itself; Reporting means a news outlet.
- Reporting Una nueva era en Caguas: las Criollas de voleibol se unen a la familia del baloncesto
- Reporting Criollas de Caguas del voleibol superior femenino cambian de dueños
How we checked this
El Nuevo Día and NotiCel both covered the announcement of the Criollas volleyball franchise sale to the basketball ownership group. Most details about the press conference, coach Núñez’s comments and the group’s long-term youth sports intentions rest on the El Nuevo Día account, while NotiCel highlighted the federation approval still required and Vargas’s statement on community contribution.
Compiled by the PuertoRico.com News Desk from the reports and statements listed above, and checked against them before publishing. It does not include original interviews. Spot an error? Email support@puertorico.com with a link to this story.
Nils Huenerfuerst / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 4.0PuertoRico.com is free, and readers like you keep it that way.
The PuertoRico.com newsroom checks every story against its sources and publishes it free. If this one helped, a contribution of any size keeps the next one free too.
Secure checkout by Stripe: card, Apple Pay, Google Pay or Link.
One payment, nothing to sign up for.
Contributions go to Puerto Rico.com, LLC. They are not charitable donations and are not tax-deductible. Payments are processed by Stripe.
Thank you for keeping PuertoRico.com free.
Your contribution went through. It helps pay for the next story.
Contributions go to Puerto Rico.com, LLC. They are not charitable donations and are not tax-deductible. Payments are processed by Stripe.