How many fans has the KBO drawn in 2026, and how fast did it reach 12 million?

The KBO said attendance reached 12,069,596 after Thursday’s games. It got to 12 million in 684 games, which was faster than the previous record pace of 703 games in 2025.

Which team and game produced the notable sellout in Daegu?

The Samsung Lions faced the Hanwha Eagles at Daegu Samsung Lions Park in Daegu before a sellout crowd of 24,000. That was the Lions’ league-leading 54th sellout of the season.

Is the KBO on pace to break its single-season attendance record?

Yes. With 11 days remaining, the league was on pace to surpass last year’s all-time mark of just over 12.3 million fans. It also had 319 sellouts leaguewide and was nearing the record of 331 set last year.

KBO tops 12 mil. in attendance, nears single-season record

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Summary

The Korea Baseball Organization surpassed 12 million fans Thursday, reaching 12,069,596 and moving closer to its single-season attendance record. The league hit the milestone in 684 games, faster than the previous record pace of 703 games in 2025. With 11 days left in the season, the KBO is on pace to top last year’s all-time mark of just over 12.3 million fans.

Key Facts

The KBO said four games played Thursday drew a combined 78,622 fans.
Through Thursday, KBO teams were averaging 17,646 fans per game.
The Samsung Lions played the Hanwha Eagles before a sellout crowd of 24,000 in Daegu, their league-leading 54th sellout.
The KBO had 319 sellouts leaguewide and was closing in on the single-season record of 331 set last year.

By Yonhap

Published Oct 1, 2026 10:27 pm KST

Fans cheer during the KBO League game between the NC Dinos and LG Twins at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Seoul, Aug. 26. Yonhap

The South Korean baseball league surpassed 12 million fans in record-breaking style Thursday, as it inched closer to its single-season record.

The Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) said the total attendance for this season reached 12,069,596 fans, after four games played Thursday drew a combined 78,622 fans.

The KBO added it topped 12 million in 684 games, beating the previous record of 703 games in 2025.

Last year, the KBO set its all-time mark with just over 12.3 million fans. With 11 days remaining in the season, the league is on pace to surpass that mark.

Through Thursday, KBO teams are averaging 17,646 fans per game.

The KBO has cleared every million milestone in record-setting fashion this year.

The Samsung Lions faced the Hanwha Eagles before a sellout crowd of 24,000 at Daegu Samsung Lions Park in the southeastern city of Daegu, their league-leading 54th sellout. With 319 sellouts leaguewide, the KBO is closing in on the single-season mark of 331 sellouts set last year.

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