KBO Announces 2026 Updates: Salary Increase, Roster Expansion, and Faster Video Reviews
January 29, 2026 (Thu)
- Minimum player salary to increase to KRW 33 million starting in 2027
- Club roster limit expanded to 68 players to enhance roster management flexibility
- WBC incentives: KRW 400 million bonus introduced for reaching the quarterfinals; bonuses increased for semifinal finishes and above
- Wireless intercom system to be introduced for video reviews, expected to reduce review time
The Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) held the 1st Executive Committee Meeting and the 1st Board of Directors Meeting for 2026 on January 20 and January 27, respectively, during which major amendments to KBO regulations and league rules were approved.
Results of the 1st Board of Directors Meeting
▶ Increase in Minimum Player Salary
In consideration of rising consumer prices and increases in the minimum wage, and to improve player welfare while strengthening league competitiveness, the KBO approved an increase in the minimum player salary.
The current KBO League minimum salary has been maintained at KRW 30 million per year since 2021. Given the need for a reasonable adjustment at regular intervals (approximately every five years), the minimum salary will be increased by 10% to KRW 33 million starting in 2027.
Historically, the KBO minimum salary has been raised in stages:
- KRW 20 million in 2005
- KRW 24 million in 2010 (+20%)
- KRW 27 million in 2015 (+12.5%)
- KRW 30 million in 2021 (+11%)
▶ Expansion of Club Roster Limits
To enhance roster management flexibility and ensure league operational stability, the KBO approved an expansion of club roster limits.
This decision reflects the need to provide clubs with more options in managing injuries, player conditioning, and competitive balance during the season. It also takes into account the expansion of active rosters to 29 players starting in 2026 following the introduction of the Asian Quota system.
The measure aims to strengthen player development and motivation, expand professional entry opportunities for developmental and amateur players, and deepen the overall talent pool of the league.
Accordingly, the maximum number of players under contract per club will increase from 65 to 68 players, effective immediately from the current season.
▶ Expansion of Special Provisions for Players Signing Overseas
To prevent potential circumvention of KBO regulations and to establish a more reasonable institutional response to the overseas outflow of young prospects, the scope of special provisions for players signing with foreign professional clubs has been expanded.
Under Article 107, Paragraph 1 of the KBO Regulations, players who are enrolled in high school or above and sign with a foreign professional club are prohibited from signing with a KBO club for two years upon returning to Korea.
However, in cases where players graduate from middle school and sign overseas without enrolling in high school, such actions may be interpreted as intentional circumvention of the regulations. Therefore, the applicable scope of this rule has been expanded to include middle school graduates.
▶ Amendment to National Team Operating Regulations
To enhance motivation, morale, and focus among national team players participating in international competitions, additional performance-based incentives and bonuses were approved.
Previously, no bonus was awarded for reaching the WBC quarterfinals. Beginning with the 2026 WBC, a KRW 400 million bonus will be introduced for advancing to the quarterfinals.
In addition, bonuses have been increased as follows:
- Semifinals: from KRW 300 million to KRW 600 million
- Runner-up: from KRW 700 million to KRW 800 million
- Championship: from KRW 1 billion to KRW 1.2 billion
Bonuses will be paid once, based on the team’s final tournament result.
Results of the 1st Executive Committee Meeting
▶ Amendment to Video Review Regulations
The KBO approved amendments to video review regulations to restrict so-called “strategic overrunning” at second and third base.
“Strategic overrunning” refers to a baserunning tactic in force-play situations at second base—particularly when there is also a runner on third—where the runner from first base runs through second base at full speed instead of attempting a slide. Although the runner is likely to be tagged out during a subsequent rundown, the moment the runner touches second base ahead of the throw, the force play is removed, allowing the runner on third to score intentionally.
As this tactic undermines the fundamental nature of baserunning, it has been included in MLB’s video review regulations starting in 2025.
Under the revised rule, even if an out call is overturned to safe via video review in a force-play situation, a runner may still be ruled out for abandonment of the basepath if there is no legitimate attempt to occupy the base or advance to the next base. This provision does not apply if the runner’s action was influenced by the umpire’s initial out call.
In addition, with two outs, whether a run scored before a runner abandoned an attempt to advance to second or third base will be determined based on the moment when both of the runner’s feet touch the ground after passing the back edge of the base.
▶ Introduction of Wireless Intercom System
To reduce video review time and enhance explanation of rulings, the KBO will introduce a wireless intercom system starting in the 2026 season.
During video review situations, umpires will be able to communicate directly with the replay center and make in-stadium announcements without relocating, which is expected to shorten overall game time.
The system will be worn by the first- and second-base umpires. If the crew chief is not equipped with the device, the most senior umpire among those wearing the system will assume the crew chief’s responsibilities for video review matters.
▶ Expansion of Futures League Games and Monday Scheduling
Starting in the 2026 season, the number of Futures League games per team will be increased by five games.
This measure addresses the high number of game cancellations due to weather and field conditions, as well as the limited rescheduling flexibility inherent in the Futures League structure. As a result, each team will play 121 games, up from 116, increasing the league-wide total from 696 to 726 games.
To further expand the Futures League fan base, games will also be scheduled on Mondays, when no KBO League games are held. The Futures League schedule will consist of three-game series on Wednesday–Friday and Saturday–Monday, with Tuesday designated as a travel day.
Meanwhile, the KBO budget for 2026 has been finalized at KRW 35.5 billion.
