WKBL Apologizes for Referee-Related Game Delay
- Joanne Lee
- Jan 25
- 1 min read
Jan 25, 2026
Joanne Lee
The Women’s Korean Basketball League (WKBL) has issued an official apology for a game delay caused by referees. Follow-up reports revealed that the incident happened because referees were not properly assigned in advance.
On January 16, 2026, a women’s professional basketball game between the Cheongju KB Stars and Incheon Shinhan Bank, held at Cheongju Gymnasium, was delayed by 30 minutes. At 7:09 p.m., fans were informed that the game would not start until 7:30 p.m.
The reason for the delay shocked many fans. The referees arrived late, and it was later reported that WKBL officials were not aware until 90 minutes before the game that no referees had been officially assigned.
In its apology statement, WKBL said it would take responsibility for all refunds related to the delay. However, many fans questioned the league’s administrative ability, saying that such a mistake should not happen in a professional league.
Criticism has continued to grow among women’s basketball fans in Korea. Many pointed out that basketball is a sport where player fatigue management is important, and they blamed the league for increasing players’ fatigue by causing a 30-minute delay.
