University Volleyball Federation Backlashes Against KOVO's Plan to Abolish Rookie Entrance Fees

The Korea Collegiate Volleyball Federation has expressed regret, stating that the Korea Volleyball Federation (KOVO) announced its policy to abolish entrance fees for male rookie professional volleyball players for the 2027-2028 season without sufficient consultation.

The Collegiate Volleyball Federation stated today (the 15th) that "we sent an official document requesting consultation regarding changes to the draft system and detailed regulations on the 4th, but KOVO only communicated its decision verbally," adding that "they must step forward for official consultations even now."

The Collegiate Volleyball Federation pointed out, "As KOVO has forewarned the abolition of entrance fees, players currently in their 1st, 2nd, and 3rd years of college may perceive this year's draft as their last opportunity to receive an entrance fee under the current system." They added, "This is concerning as it could lead to a large number of players attempting to enter this year's draft."

They continued, "Players choosing to advance to the professional ranks right after graduating from high school may also be affected by the institutional changes," and expressed concern that "if the number of players advancing to college decreases and enrolled students leave for the professional league early, college teams will face severe difficulties in player recruitment, and some universities may struggle to even operate their teams."

They also emphasized, "It should not be judged that there is a problem with player development in college volleyball simply because there is a shortage of players immediately ready for game deployment in universities."

KOVO announced on the 14th, while notifying the results of its 2nd Board of Directors meeting and regular general assembly for the 23rd term, that it has decided to abolish entrance fees for male rookies starting from the 2027-2028 season.

In addition, KOVO explained, "This decision is based on the assessment that, among players joining through recent rookie drafts, there is a shortage of players who can be utilized as immediate assets, and the proportion of players converting to free agents within a short period after joining is increasing, limiting the practical effect of reinforcing team strength."

However, it was decided to increase the school support fund per club from the existing 100 million won to 150 million won, and the compensation for 1st-round drafted players from 40 million won to 60 million won.

KOVO stated, "Officials from both federations went through a consultation process, including a direct meeting to discuss related matters on July 9," adding, "The Collegiate Volleyball Federation demanded a one-year postponement of the draft system regulation changes, mandatory drafting in rounds 1 to 3 of the rookie draft, and a transition of the rookie draft to a free-agent system."

It further explained, "The free-agent system could shake the foundation of the rookie draft, and mandatory drafting in rounds 1 to 3 was unacceptable due to salary cap issues, which led us to accept the one-year postponement proposal," adding, "The changes to the draft system went through this consultation process."

(Photo provided by KOVO, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.