V-League Attendance Surges: Women’s Volleyball Sees Growth Despite Star Departure

South Korea’s V-League is experiencing a notable increase in spectator numbers, particularly in women’s volleyball, even after the departure of national star Kim Yeon-kyung. The first season without the veteran player is attracting more fans than anticipated, signaling a growing interest in the sport.

Attendance Figures Indicate Positive Trend

According to data released by the Korea Volleyball Federation (KOVO), the first half of the 2025-2026 V-League season saw a 10.65% increase in men’s attendance (123,255 to 136,233) and a 5.3% rise in women’s attendance (146,797 to 154,646). Overall viewership increased by 7.7% compared to the previous season, with a slight 0.04% increase in average viewership.

The Rise of the Female Fanbase

The growing popularity is being fueled, in part, by a surge in attendance from women in their 20s and 30s, a demographic that also played a key role in the record-breaking attendance numbers for professional baseball last year. This trend suggests a broader cultural shift towards embracing sports as a form of entertainment and social activity.

“The number of spectators has increased not only in our club but also in volleyball as a whole…. Internal analysis shows that interest in sports, rather than specific factors, is higher than before.”

V-League club official A

The impact of MBC’s entertainment program New Director Kim Yeon-kyung and the relocation of OK Savings Bank to Busan are also cited as potential contributing factors to the increased interest.

Challenges Remain: Fan Experience and Accessibility

Despite the positive trends, challenges remain in fully capitalizing on the growing interest. Some fans have expressed concerns about limited information available regarding player participation and a lack of engaging fan experiences at venues.

“I have loved baseball and volleyball for a long time, and I felt that the new volleyball teams were unfriendly. For example, if you look at all 14 clubs in the men’s and women’s divisions, the only place where the post is uploaded to social media is KB Insurance.”

A 20-year-old volleyball enthusiast (D)

Concerns were also raised regarding limited food and entertainment options at stadiums, as well as accessibility issues. Clubs are attempting to address these concerns, such as providing food trucks, but limitations exist.

Looking Ahead: Opportunity in Crisis

The V-League faces the task of building on this momentum and creating a more welcoming and engaging experience for fans. Addressing concerns about accessibility, information transparency, and stadium amenities will be crucial for sustaining the current growth trajectory. Despite the challenges, the surge in attendance demonstrates the potential for professional volleyball to become a major force in Korean sports.

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