Korean baseball team to return to Geelong

A KOREAN Premier League baseball side will return to Geelong in 2026.

KT Wiz, which recently left the City of Greater Geelong, has already confirmed a summer training camp and three games in the municipality in the early part of next year.

More than 80 players, coaches and team members from KT Wiz called Geelong home for six weeks between January and February.

The partnership program with the City of Greater Geelong, local baseball clubs and the Melbourne Aces helped inject $1.6 million into the local economy.

Their visit included matches against the Melbourne Aces, an open day at Geelong Baseball Centre in Waurn Ponds, and plenty of sightseeing.

As part of the partnership, KT Wiz also invested in significant upgrades at the baseball centre.

Geelong mayor Stretch Kontelj said the elite team was welcome in Geelong at any time.

“It was terrific connecting KT Wiz with our local baseball clubs and showing them everything our beautiful region has to offer.

“The team generated a lot of excitement within our large baseball community, as well as the broader community.

“We look forward to hosting the players, coaches and support staff in 2026 and thank them for investing in the Geelong Baseball Centre and our region.”

Cr Trent Sullivan said the visit helped strengthen ongoing relationships with South Korea.

“Over just six weeks, the KT Wiz training camp contributed a massive $1.6 million into our economy, supporting our hospitality, golf, transportation, accommodation and tourism operators.

“[It] showcased our region on the international stage and led to important improvements to our baseball facilities.”