Lee Jung-hyun of the Goyang Sono, the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the 2025-2026 professional basketball season, has signed a contract worth a total of 720 million won, the club's highest compensation, ahead of becoming a free agent (FA).
Sono said Monday that it had "completed salary negotiations with 16 players and finalized its domestic roster along with KBL player registration," adding that "Lee Jung-hyun completed his contract for a total of 720 million won." According to the club, this is the highest amount within the team and the highest pay ever given to a player before acquiring FA status in Korean professional basketball history.
Lee Jung-hyun was a key figure who led Sono to its first playoff appearance and runner-up finish in the championship series last season. He ranked first in scoring (18.6 points) among domestic players and Asian quota players, while also recording 5.2 assists (fifth), 1.4 steals (fifth), and 2.4 three-pointers made (third), putting together the league's best performance. He won the Round 2 and Round 5 MVP awards, followed by the regular-season MVP. Such performances earned him a deal worth 44% more than the previous season.
Lee Jung-hyun said through the club, "I am simply grateful that the club recognized me," adding, "I think I repaid them with the club's first playoff appearance and runner-up finish last season, but since they once again gave me the best treatment, I will be sure to bring home the championship trophy next season."
Forward Choi Seung-wook signed for a total of 420 million won, up 16.7% from the previous year, placing second in team compensation. Guard Lee Jae-do signed for 400 million won, a 27% cut from 550 million won, while forward Jung Hee-jae, who served as captain last season, signed for 350 million won, and guard Kim Jin-yu signed for 200 million won, the same as last season. Lim Dong-seop will receive a total of 240 million won, up 20%.
Sono's total club compensation came to 2.947 billion won, reaching about 98.2% of the salary cap. This is the highest level since the club's founding. Sono general manager Lee Ki-wan said, "We have used up the highest salary cap since our founding, but I feel sorry toward the roster that finished as runner-up last season," adding, "We will spare no support and do our best to become a club that once again brings happiness to the Fan Winners."
