*This content was translated by AI.
Ulsan Whales, the first citizen team in the KBO League, is achieving meaningful results in both entertainment and performance.
According to the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO), Ulsan surpassed a cumulative 50,000 home fans for this season during a match against KT Wiz held at Munsu Baseball Stadium on July 3. This achievement came through a total of 37 home games, with an average of 1,364 spectators attending each game. The home opener drew 7,299 attendees, while the 'Ulsan-Lotte Series' against Lotte Giants on June 27 saw 2,716 fans in attendance, marking the highest turnout since the season began.
Performance has also been steady. During the first half of the season, Ulsan recorded 40 wins and 27 losses (a .597 win rate) across 68 games, placing them first in the Southern League of the Futures League with a win rate nearing 60%.
At the KBO League's festival, the All-Star Game, Ulsan also set a historic record. Pitcher Nagai Taisei and fielder Alex Hall, both team members, participated in the 2026 KBO Futures All-Star Game held on July 10, becoming the first foreign players to appear in a Futures All-Star Game. Notably, Nagai pitched one scoreless inning, earning a hold record and receiving the Outstanding Pitcher Award.
The newly introduced 'Monday Baseball' for this season also played a significant role in boosting Futures League entertainment. With Futures League games now regularly scheduled every Monday, fans can enjoy baseball throughout the week. As of June 29, after a total of 20 games were played, cumulative viewership across TV and cable/satellite channels reached 543,676.
Among matches held in Ulsan, the game between KIA Tigers and Ulsan at Munsu Baseball Stadium on April 27 recorded 47,494 cumulative viewers, making it the second most-watched matchup in 'Monday Baseball.'
In terms of viewership ratings, the historic opening match against Lotte on March 20 recorded a 0.27% rating, signaling a smooth start. The team maintained steady viewership thereafter, averaging 0.12% during the first half of the season.
The KBO analyzed that the background for these achievements lies in Ulsan Whales' community-focused fan service that engages with local citizens. The KBO stated, "Through diverse programs such as Little Whales Day, events inviting local schools and youth baseball teams, ground experience programs, and fan signing sessions, they have consistently drawn strong support from local fans."
It further added, "Ulsan is building a citizen team model that grows together with the Ulsan Metropolitan City government, local enterprises, educational institutions, and sports organizations. Through programs like 'WHALES-UP,' the team is leading efforts to revitalize the local community through baseball."
In the future, Ulsan Whales aims to establish a citizen team corporation that secures both independence and public service. The team plans to expand revenue-generating businesses through independent operations of ticket sales, advertising, and merchandise (MD) businesses, alongside stable management and the establishment of an operation system centered on professional managers. Through these efforts, they intend to lay the foundation for sustainable long-term development as a citizen team by improving financial independence and attracting corporate investment.
This year, the KBO will broadcast approximately 120 of the 726th total Futures League games live on tvN SPORTS and about 40 games via KBSN SPORTS. Additionally, all Futures League games with TV broadcasts will be available for viewing on TVING, the KBO League's official OTT streaming service, allowing fans to enjoy Futures League matches through even more diverse channels.
<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>
*This content was translated by AI.
