A New Era for Korean Baseball

Ulsan City has confirmed the schedule for the 2026 KBO Futures League games featuring the newly formed Ulsan Wales Professional Baseball Team, marking a historic moment as the nation’s first civil professional baseball team. The team will compete in the second-tier professional league, beginning on March 20th.

The Ulsan Wales will play a total of 121 games, including 61 home games, concluding on September 20th. The team has been incorporated into the Southern League, with the Sangmu Baseball Team moving to the Northern League.

Adjusted Game Times for Wider Access

In a move designed to increase accessibility for fans, Ulsan Wales home games on weekdays (Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday) will start at 6:30 p.m., a change from the traditional 1 p.m. Start time for Futures League weekday games. Weekend and holiday games will continue to start at 1 p.m.

This adjustment was made at the request of Ulsan City, with the goal of allowing office workers and families to more easily attend games. The city hopes this will revitalize interest in the second division of professional baseball.

Players Driven by Opportunity

The team is comprised of players with diverse backgrounds, including those released from first-team rosters, players who were not professionally designated, and those with experience in independent leagues. Many players view this opportunity as a second chance.

“If this team didn’t exist…”

Ulsan Wales Operations Team Leader Kim Do-hyung

The annual salary for domestic players is 30 million won, the lowest in the KBO league. Despite the modest pay, players express gratitude for the chance to continue their careers.

“If I play well, I can get a lot of money. This is not the time to worry about salary.”

Ye Jin-won, former player for Kiwoom and KIA

Pitcher Jin Hyun-woo, previously playing in independent leagues, is now receiving a salary for the first time, expressing his surprise, and gratitude.

“I played baseball while paying membership fees, so it’s surprising that I have develop into a person who receives support like this.”

Jin Hyun-woo, Pitcher

Coach Jang’s Focus: Health and Safety

Coach Jang Won-jin is focused on ensuring the players remain healthy and avoid injury, acknowledging their high level of motivation.

“His mental state is the best. I’m trying to warn him that he might get hurt if he works too hard.”

Coach Jang Won-jin

Coach Jang emphasized the importance of staying healthy and playing full-time, expressing his hope for a safe and successful year.

2026 KBO Futures League League Composition

• Northern League: Sangmu, Hanwha, LG, SSG, Doosan, Goyang
• Southern League: KT, NC, Lotte, Samsung, KIA, Ulsan

FAQ

What league will Ulsan Wales play in?

Ulsan Wales will play in the KBO Futures League, the second-tier professional baseball league in South Korea.

When does the 2026 KBO Futures League season begin?

The 2026 KBO Futures League season begins on March 20th.

What is unique about Ulsan Wales’ game schedule?

Ulsan Wales will play weekday home games at 6:30 p.m., later than the traditional 1 p.m. Start time, to accommodate working fans.