V-League Hits Record 600,000 Spectators, Proving Volleyball's Popularity

The 2025-2026 V-League season has etched its name in history, not just for its thrilling on-court rivalries but for its unprecedented success in drawing fans to the stadiums. For the first time ever, the league has surpassed the 600,000 spectator mark, a testament to the growing popularity and appeal of professional volleyball in South Korea. The Korea Volleyball Federation (KOVO) proudly announced that the combined attendance for the men's and women's regular leagues and post-season games reached a staggering 635,461, shattering the previous record set in the 2024-2025 season.

The men's league, in particular, experienced a remarkable surge in attendance, exceeding 300,000 spectators for the first time in seven seasons. This resurgence is largely attributed to the relocation of the OK Savings Bank team to Busan, which has ignited fan enthusiasm in the region. The number of fans attending men's league games saw a substantial 19.6% increase from the previous season, with post-season average attendance also rising by 13.6%.

While the women's league saw a slight dip in total attendance compared to the previous season, which was boosted by the farewell tour of star player Kim Yeon-koung, it still managed to draw over 320,000 spectators. This marks the fourth consecutive season the women's league has surpassed the 300,000 mark, demonstrating its enduring popularity. However, post-season attendance for the women's league did decrease, likely due to the high benchmark set by Kim Yeon-koung's final season.

Beyond stadium attendance, the V-League also saw a positive trend in viewership. The overall broadcast ratings for the combined men's and women's leagues, including regular season and post-season games, increased to 0.94%, up from 0.89% last season. The men's post-season viewership saw a significant jump, while the women's league recorded its highest-ever average viewership rating. This overall growth in both attendance and viewership signals a healthy and expanding future for professional volleyball in South Korea, captivating audiences both in person and on screen.