February 2, 2026 (Monday)

Ulsan Metropolitan City (Mayor Kim Doo-gyeom) held the official inauguration ceremony of the Ulsan Whales on Monday, February 2, at Ulsan Munsu Baseball Stadium.

In November of last year, the KBO and Ulsan Metropolitan City signed an agreement for participation in the KBO Futures League. With the goal of enhancing overall league competitiveness and expanding the baseball base, the KBO worked closely with the City of Ulsan to prepare for the establishment of the new club. Following final approval by the KBO Board of Directors at its meeting on Tuesday, December 9, the Ulsan professional baseball team became the first KBO-affiliated club to be established under the leadership of a local government.

Approximately 500 guests attended the ceremony, including Ulsan Mayor Kim Doo-gyeom, KBO Commissioner Heo Koo-yeon, KBO Technical Committee Chairman Cho Gye-hyun, Korea national team manager Ryu Ji-hyun, Ulsan Sports Council President Kim Cheol-wook, city council members, and heads of district and county governments, all gathering to celebrate the launch of the Ulsan Whales.

Mayor Kim Doo-gyeom stated, “I sincerely thank everyone who has worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make this meaningful day possible,” adding, “Ulsan Metropolitan City will stand as a strong partner to ensure that the Ulsan Whales grow together with the local community, fostering a healthy sports culture and opening new possibilities for professional baseball.”

KBO Commissioner Heo Koo-yeon remarked, “Today, we are witnessing the creation of a new chapter in the history of Korean professional baseball,” and expressed his hope that “the Ulsan Whales will inspire dreams in the children of Ulsan and become a source of pride for its citizens.”

During the ceremony, the club announced its organizational structure, including General Manager Kim Dong-jin, Manager Jang Won-jin, the coaching staff, and a roster of 26 players, while also outlining its operational direction and future goals. The Ulsan Whales plan to select additional players in early February and begin full-scale spring training on Thursday, February 12, at Gangchanghak Baseball Stadium in Jeju, as they prepare in earnest for the historic opening of their inaugural season on March 20.

*Ulsan Whales Inauguration Ceremony © KBO