▲ Exterior view of the KBO headquarters
The Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) is pushing to establish additional citizen-owned baseball clubs to participate in the Futures League (the KBO's minor league).
The KBO announced on Tuesday (June 16) that it is "calling for applications from local governments to establish new clubs for the Futures League to expand the base of baseball and explore potential markets." The organization added, "Selected local governments, similar to the Ulsan Whales founded this year, will be able to participate in the Futures League as early as next season, subject to approval by the KBO Board of Directors."
The KBO further explained, "Local governments participating in the open call must submit detailed plans for the establishment and operation of the club. They must also possess the necessary infrastructure, including a dedicated home stadium, indoor practice facilities, and other auxiliary facilities."
The application period runs from June 17 to July 28.
Following the application period, a panel of experts will conduct a review of the proposals, hold evaluation presentations, and perform on-site inspections before making a final selection.
A KBO official stated, "We have not set a specific number of teams to be founded," adding, "We plan to grant the opportunity to establish a club to local governments that meet our internal criteria and demonstrate the ability to operate the team sustainably."
In November last year, the KBO signed an agreement with Ulsan Metropolitan City regarding participation in the Futures League, and subsequently approved its entry into the 2026 Futures League through a board meeting in December of the same year.
Since then, the Ulsan club has finalized its team name, assembled its front office and coaching staff, and formed its roster through tryouts.
The Ulsan club is currently leading the Southern League this season with a record of 34 wins, 21 losses, and 1 draw.
The Futures League currently operates with a total of 12 teams, consisting of six teams in the Northern League and six teams in the Southern League.
Meanwhile, it is reported that several local governments have recently expressed their interest in establishing citizen-owned clubs to the KBO.
(Photo: Courtesy of Yonhap News TV, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.