Ten teams compete in the 2026-2027 season opener, promising thrilling action for fans
Category: Local News
The PBA Team League officially commenced on October 10, 2026, at the Pohang Indoor Gymnasium in South Korea, featuring a competitive lineup of ten teams, including the likes of NH Nonghyup Card, Hana Card, and Woori Finance Capital. The league will run until October 18, with a total of 45 matches scheduled over nine days.
This inaugural event in Pohang marks a milestone for the Professional Billiards Association (PBA), as it is the first time the league has been held in Gyeongsangbuk-do. The opening ceremony was attended by notable figures such as Jang Sang-jin, PBA Vice President; Bae Yong-soo, Deputy Mayor of Pohang; Kim Cheol-soo, Chairman of the Pohang City Council; and Lee Jae-han, Chairman of the Pohang Sports Council.
During the opening ceremony, Bae Yong-soo expressed his hopes for the tournament, stating, "Pohang is becoming a sports city where citizens can enjoy high-quality games up close. I hope this event serves as a great stage for players and creates wonderful memories for billiards fans." Meanwhile, Kim Cheol-soo emphasized the importance of the tournament in bringing citizens together to enjoy high-level competition.
On the first day of competition, the Brakers achieved a surprising victory against Woori Finance Capital, winning the match 4-3 after a full set showdown. This win was particularly sweet for the Brakers, who had suffered defeats in their previous encounters with Woori Finance, losing 1-4 and 0-4 in the first two rounds.
The Brakers started strong, taking a 3-1 lead after winning the first, second, and fourth sets. In the final seventh set, team leader Lee Seung-jin secured the victory by defeating Lee Sang-dae 11-6, marking a much-needed triumph for the team, which had previously been at the bottom of the standings.
NH Nonghyup Card also had a successful outing, defeating Hooons 4-1, effectively ending Hooons' impressive 11-match winning streak. After losing the first set 8-11, NH Nonghyup Card rebounded to win the next four sets, with standout performances from Kim Min-a, who excelled in both the second and fourth sets.
In addition to these matches, Hana Card decisively defeated ESY 4-0, and Harim overcame Crown Haitai with a score of 4-1. High1 Resort also triumphed over Welcom Savings Bank, winning 4-2, demonstrating the high stakes and competitiveness of this season's league.
The tournament will continue with a packed schedule on October 11, featuring NH Nonghyup Card against Hana Card at 12 PM, followed by Hooons versus Crown Haitai, and Woori Finance Capital facing High1 Resort at 3 PM. The day will conclude with a match between Harim and the Brakers at 6 PM, and ESY taking on Welcom Savings Bank at 9 PM.
Throughout the tournament, all matches are free to attend, and fans can enjoy various events, including player meet-and-greets and interactive activities. Notably, on October 12 and 13, fans will have the opportunity to participate in special events, including an interactive cue ball game and additional one-point lessons with professional players.
As the league progresses, the focus will be on which team can secure the championship title. With the first two rounds having been won by Woori Finance Capital and Hooons, the competition is heating up as teams vie for the top spot.
As the PBA Team League continues through February 2027, the ultimate champion will receive a cash prize of 100 million won, with additional prizes for the most valuable players of the regular season and postseason. With the excitement of professional billiards now accessible to fans in Pohang, this tournament will likely be a thrilling showcase of skill and competition.
For those interested, detailed schedules and updates can be found on the PBA's official channels. As the league progresses, the anticipation builds for which team will emerge victorious in this highly competitive environment.