Opening Tip at Riviera Hotel
Defending Women’s Korean Basketball League champions and national team standouts gathered at the Riviera Hotel in Seoul on July 27 for the KB Star Banking 2026-27 season opening media day, transitioning from international teammates to domestic rivals, OSEN reported.
Expanded Schedule and Roster Rules
The upcoming WKBL campaign introduces several structural changes following South Korea’s success at the international level. League president Shin Sang-hoon noted that the national team captured a 5×5 gold medal and a 3×3 bronze medal at the Asian Games, generating considerable momentum that organizers hope will carry into the domestic schedule. To accommodate growing interest, the regular season schedule expands from six rounds to seven. The league broadened its Asian Quarter player pool beyond Japan to encompass all of Asia, permitting teams to deploy up to two Asian Quarter acquisitions simultaneously during the second and third quarters.
National Team Competitors Clash
With domestic rosters finalized, players who recently shared a locker room under the national flag will now face one another across the hardwood. Guard Lee So-hee expressed heightened self-assurance following the international gold medal run, pointing to expanded offensive capabilities. Guard Hur Ye-eun highlighted the tactical lessons she absorbed while running the offense against taller international opponents. Meanwhile, center Jinang adopted a pragmatic stance regarding her national team bonds, stating that friendships are set aside once the whistle blows. Woori Bank newcomer Kang Lee-seul countered by mentioning specific offseason training adjustments designed to counter Jinang in the paint, while also identifying young forward Lee Hae-ran as a primary defensive assignment after watching her level up during national team duty.
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