Changwon LG, a professional basketball club, has signed a three-year contract extension with head coach Cho Sang-hyun, 49, ahead of the semifinal playoffs, demonstrating firm confidence in his leadership.
The LG club announced on the 22nd that it had "signed a three-year contract extension with head coach Cho Sang-hyun and his coaching staff through the 2028-2029 season." Specific terms, including salary, will not be disclosed by mutual agreement.
Cho first took the helm at LG in the 2022-2023 season. During his tenure, the team earned direct berths to the semifinal playoffs for four consecutive years, and last season he led the club to its first-ever championship title since its founding. This season, he delivered the franchise's first regular-season championship in 12 years. He also received the Coach of the Year award for the first time in his career at the pro basketball awards ceremony on the 9th.
The LG club praised Cho, saying, "Coach Cho excels in tactical flexibility through precise data-based analysis and thorough game preparation." The club added, "He has drawn out the growth of individual players while building a 'Team First' culture, laying the foundation for a sustainable powerhouse," explaining the rationale behind the contract extension.
"I am relieved that I seem to be keeping my promise to build a team that can contend for the title at any time," Cho said. "I am grateful to the club for accommodating favorable contract extensions for the coaching staff who worked hard alongside me, and to the fans who always support us with passion."
Meanwhile, LG will play Game 1 of the semifinal playoffs against Goyang Sono at Changwon Gymnasium at 7 p.m. on the 23rd.
