New Rules for International Players

The Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) has announced changes to its rules for the 2026 season, allowing teams to add an Asian or Australian import player to their roster in addition to the existing three foreign players. Any player added must have competed in Asia or Australia during the 2025 season.

The KBO has also set a spending limit of $200,000 for these players, encompassing salary, signing bonuses, and any buyout fees paid to their previous teams.

Shinhan Bank Secures Long-Term Sponsorship

Shinhan Bank has extended its title sponsorship of the KBO League through at least 2037, marking the country’s largest sports sponsorship deal to date. The sponsorship is valued at KR₩ 15 billion (approximately US$77 million).

League Format Remains Consistent

The league’s format will remain unchanged from the previous season, with the same ten teams competing: Kia Tigers, Doosan Bears, Lotte Giants, NC Dinos, LG Twins, Hanwha Eagles, KT Wiz, Samsung Lions, SSG Landers, and the Kiwoom Heroes. The league is currently in the preseason.

Pitch Clock Adjustments

Changes have also been made to the pitch clock. Teams will now have 18 seconds with bases empty and 23 seconds with runners on base.

Current Standings (2025 Season)

The LG Twins entered the 2026 season as the defending champions from the 2025 season. Here’s a look at the 2025 regular season standings:

• LG Twins: 144 games, 85 wins, 53 losses
• Hanwha Eagles: 144 games, 83 wins, 54 losses
• SSG Landers: 144 games, 75 wins, 46 losses
• Samsung Lions: 144 games, 74 wins, 26 losses
• NC Dinos: 144 games, 71 wins, 66 losses
• kt wiz Suwon: 144 games, 71 wins, 56 losses
• Lotte Giants: 144 games, 66 wins, 67 losses
• KIA Tigers: 144 games, 65 wins, 47 losses
• Doosan Bears: 144 games, 61 wins, 67 losses
• Kiwoom Heroes: 144 games, 47 wins, 49 losses