The Distribution of Korfbal League Matches: What does the public think?

From the 2025-2026 season, the Korfbal League matches will be played spread over the weekend. This means that there will be one match on Friday evening, three matches spread over the day on Saturday and one or two matches on Sunday as standard. The KNKV and the Korfbal League clubs hope to promote the professionalization of the sport and enhance the experience for fans. But what does the public think of this change? We conducted an opinion poll to find out.

Mostly positive, but with some reservations
The results show that most respondents are positive about spreading the matches over several days. 69% of the participants indicated that they are positive about the new format, while 16% are neutral and 15% are negative about the change. This is seen as an opportunity to follow more matches live and according to many it contributes to the further professionalization of the sport.

However, there are also critical voices. Some respondents indicate that the new layout does not offer clear regularity for players and supporters. In addition, there are concerns about the burden on volunteers and the impact on spectator numbers, especially for matches on Saturday afternoons. One respondent puts it as follows: "There is no regularity. The athlete's body does not get enough rest. Not even for the volunteers. There is also work to be done and not everyone can stop at 2 p.m. Just on Saturday evenings and a few on Sunday afternoons, possibly."

Easier to follow more matches live
A large majority of respondents experience the spread as an improvement, because it becomes easier to follow more matches live. 69% of respondents see the new match schedule as an improvement, while 17% experience no difference and 14% see it as a deterioration.

However, some respondents warn that the focus should not only be on the live streams. "Distribution for more live stream viewers should not be sacred. You also see at PKC that there are simply few people coming to the hall on Saturday afternoon. So it is better to have two matches at the same time on Saturday evening with slightly fewer live stream viewers, than one more in the afternoon with slightly more live stream viewers, but few people in the hall. Ultimately, matches in full halls are also more fun, which will in turn lead to more live stream viewers. So don't play on Saturday afternoon! Sunday, but especially Friday, is a huge step forward, really great."

Saturday evening and Friday evening the most popular
In terms of match day preference, Saturday evening and Friday evening are most often mentioned as ideal times for Korfbal League matches. Saturday evening is by far the most popular option, followed by Friday evening and Sunday afternoon. Saturday afternoon scores lower, and Sunday evening is considered the least ideal option.

A fan responds: "It would be a shame if you have a match planned for Saturday afternoon, but you can't attend it because of your own match. After all, most seniors play on Saturday afternoon themselves. If you want more people to be able to attend the matches, you will have to move more towards Saturday evening, as is the case now."

Sunday matches: no big problem
One of the most sensitive issues surrounding the distribution is the addition of more matches on Sundays. The results show that the majority do not see this as a problem : 62% of respondents see Sunday matches as something positive. 15% have no opinion, while 12% indicate that Sunday matches are difficult due to religious beliefs, and 11% due to other commitments.

Conclusion: a step forward, but not without discussion
The distribution of Korfbal League matches over the weekend is generally received positively. Fans appreciate the opportunity to follow more matches, and many see this as a step in the further professionalization of the sport.

However, there are also points of attention. Especially the impact on the experience in the sports halls and the burden on players and volunteers are mentioned as potential disadvantages. "The KNKV has to stop with all these changes," sighs a critical fan.