Starbucks Korea and KBO League Launch “Swing for Joy” Collaboration
Starbucks Korea is partnering with the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) to launch a baseball-themed campaign, “Swing for Joy,” starting March 27, 2026. This marks Starbucks Korea’s first collaboration with a sports organization, aiming to capture the excitement of the upcoming KBO League season.
New Beverages and Food Items
The collaboration introduces several new menu items designed to evoke the atmosphere of a baseball game. Highlights include:
- Baseball Plum Green Tea: A tea drink featuring a plum base and boba toppings resembling baseballs.
- Baseball Meat Chili Hot Dog: A sausage topped with meat chili and sour cream sauce, served on a brioche bun with grilled vegetables and cheese.
- Baseball Popcorn & Pretzel: A snack combining baseball-shaped butter popcorn and pretzels, packaged in a container decorated with the Starbucks Bearista character. The container also includes 32 randomly selected Bearista stickers featuring baseball-themed poses representing each of the eight KBO teams.
Collaboration Merchandise
A range of merchandise will also be available, featuring designs inspired by the KBO League and the Bearista character. Items include:
- Can Cooler Tumbler: Functions as both a tumbler and a can cooler, featuring a keychain designed after each team’s slogan and cheering towel.
- Bearista Keychain: Featuring the Bearista character in the uniform of each of the eight KBO teams.
- Bearista Cap Mug: Depicting the Bearista character wearing each team’s baseball cap.
- Straw Charm Set: Designed with team logos.
Availability and Promotion
Merchandise will be sold at regional stores corresponding to each team, with major Seoul locations, select specialty stores, and online channels carrying merchandise for all eight teams. Customers who spend 30,000 won or more on an order including a handcrafted beverage, starting March 27, will receive a baseball-shaped keyring on a first-come, first-served basis, both in-store and online.
Starbucks Korea aims to expand the customer experience through products and events complementing the baseball season, targeting the approximately 12 million baseball spectators and fans in the country.