Busan is buzzing with excitement as professional basketball makes a triumphant return to the city with the esteemed KCC Egis team establishing its new home.
This development comes after a two-year hiatus following the departure of the KT Sonic Boom in 2021, marking a significant moment for basketball enthusiasts in Busan.
KCC, a dominant force in the Korean Basketball League (KBL) with five championship wins and a historic second-place ranking, has generated heightened anticipation among Busan’s basketball fan base.
The KBL officially approved KCC’s relocation during a board of directors meeting held at the KBL Center in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, on the 30th of last month.
As a result, KCC’s home base shifted from Jeonju to Busan, and the team will now be recognized as the ‘Busan KCC Egis.’
This move signifies KCC’s return to Busan after a 22-year absence. In 2001, KCC took over the Daejeon Hyundai Gullivers professional basketball team, relocating from Daejeon to Jeonju. However, ongoing disputes with Jeonju City over the construction of an indoor gymnasium led KCC to pursue relocation.
Busan Sajik Gymnasium will now serve as KCC’s home stadium, shared with the women’s professional basketball team, BNK Sum. Specific details regarding the stadium-sharing arrangements between the two clubs are yet to be finalized.
This relocation brings men’s professional basketball back to Busan after a two-year break following the departure of the KT Sonic Boom in 2021.
The Sonic Boom, which had been based in Busan for 18 years, left due to conflicts with Busan City over training facility support and home stadium usage fees.
During the hiatus, the city engaged in behind-the-scenes talks with various clubs willing to relocate, including Goyang, but without success. The successful recruitment of KCC stands as a significant victory for Busan City.
KCC is poised as a strong contender for the upcoming 2023-2024 season, set to commence in October.
The team has made noteworthy additions, including former Samsung coach Lee Sang-min joining as a coach and the acquisition of the 2021-2022 regular league MVP Choi Jun-yong (forward) as a free agent. Key players like Heo Woong (guard), Lee Seung-hyun (forward), and La Geon-ah (center) continue to contribute to the team’s strength.
