*This content was translated by AI.
Goyang Sono Skygunners 'National Team ace guard' Lee Jung-hyun (27) has set a new record for the highest salary ever before obtaining free agent (FA) status for the first time in KBL (Korean Basketball League) history.
The Sono organization announced on the 29th, "We have concluded salary negotiations with 16 domestic players and completed KBL player registration," and also revealed Lee Jung-hyun's salary for the 2026-2027 season.
According to the organization, the total salary expenditure for Sono this season is 2.947 billion won, achieving a salary cap utilization rate of 98.2%, setting a new record since the team's founding. Including the salary of Cha Min-seok, who is scheduled to be discharged from the military in November, the utilization rate approaches a staggering 99.4% (2.9806 billion won).
The undisputed star of this negotiation was Lee Jung-hyun. Lee signed a total salary package of 720 million won (base salary 575 million won, incentives 145 million won), representing a 44% increase from the previous year, firmly securing the top salary position within the organization. This is the first time in KBL history that a player has received a contract of this scale before obtaining FA eligibility.
Lee Jung-hyun, who won the domestic player MVP for the 2025-2026 season, dominated the court with averages of 18.6 points (1st among domestic and Asia quota players), 5.2 assists (5th), 1.4 steals (5th), and 2.4 made 3-pointers (3rd). He was the top contributor, not only winning Round MVP twice but also leading the team to its first-ever playoff appearance and a runner-up finish in the championship finals.
Lee Jung-hyun, who has secured unprecedented treatment, said, "I am only grateful for the recognition I have received every year without needing to say a word," and added, "I thought I repaid the team with our first-ever playoff appearance and runner-up finish last season, but since they have once again given me the best treatment, I will definitely bring the championship trophy next season."
Following Lee Jung-hyun, forward Choi Seung-wook (32) was rewarded for his consistent performance in the regular season and Spring Basketball. Choi signed for 420 million won, a 16.7% increase from the previous year, securing the second-highest salary position in the team for the first time since his debut.
On the other hand, veteran guard Lee Jae-do (34), who was the team's top earner last season with 550 million won, concluded a contract for 400 million won, a reduction of approximately 27% from the previous year, after suffering from injuries early in the season.
In addition, 'Captain' Jung Hee-jae (36) signed for 350 million won, a 9.4% increase, while guard Kim Jin-yu (31), who showcased the essence of hustle plays, signed for 200 million won, the same as last year. Forward Im Dong-seop (35), who led the team to a 10-game winning streak in the second half of the season and a 6-game winning streak in the playoffs, signaling a clear revival, signed for 240 million won, a 20% increase.
Sono General Manager Lee Ki-wan expressed affection, stating, "Although we utilized the highest salary cap since the team's founding, we feel deeply sorry to the players who achieved the runner-up finish last season." He further added, "The upcoming season will be difficult as we must compete in both the KBL regular season and the East Asia Super League (EASL). We will do our best to provide maximum support and become an organization that brings happiness to our fans, WINNERs, once again."
The official launch for the new season is about to begin. After a long break, the Goyang Sono players will gather at their home arena, Goyang Sono Arena, on July 13, to begin their first training camp in pursuit of conquering the next season.
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*This content was translated by AI.
