PBA Forms 10th Team with Champion Players to Maintain League Structure

Professional billiards in South Korea welcomes its tenth team, the 'PBA Direct Management Team,' established by the PBA itself to ensure the league maintains its 10-team structure. This move comes after the SK Rent-a-Car team disbanded at the end of last season, and a potential new sponsor failed to finalize a deal.

The newly formed team boasts a roster of eight talented players, many of whom are former individual tour champions. Notable inclusions are Lee Seung-jin, the champion of the SY Veritehomme Championship last season; Oh Sung-wook; Hida Orie; and Im Kyung-jin, all of whom have secured individual tour victories. The team also features strong contenders like Antonio Monteiro, Lee Sang-yong, Kim Da-hee, and Hwang Min-ji.

These eight players were selected from those not drafted by the existing nine teams, based on their proven performance and potential. The PBA highlighted that Monteiro possesses significant potential, while Lee Sang-yong has consistently performed in the upper-middle ranks of the first division tour. Kim Da-hee and Hwang Min-ji also have prior experience playing in the team league last season.

The PBA Direct Management Team is set to make its official debut in the '2026-2027 Welcome Savings Bank PBA Team League,' with the opening round scheduled to begin on July 5 in Gwangmyeong, Gyeonggi Province. Prior to the league's commencement, the team will hold a launch ceremony and participate in the team league media day to connect with fans. The team's emblem, name, and uniforms are expected to be revealed soon.