English translation of the Japanese press release

June 26, 2024

Kearney entering into partnership agreement with J.League

Contributing to the creation and transformation of the Japan Professional Football League and thesports industry
Management consulting firm A.T. Kearney K.K. (global brand name Kearney; Minato-ku, Tokyo, Managing
Director Japan: Shigeru Sekinada) will enter into a supporting company agreement with the Japan
Professional Football League (J.League) on July 1, 2024.
Kearney has been supporting the J.League since 2023 by formulating and implementing management
strategies to help develop the league. By entering into this agreement, the firm is strengthening therelationship and reaffirming a commitment to contribute to the advancement of both the J.League and thesports industry.
Background and rationale
Since 2022, the J.League has been pursuing two themes as part of its growth strategy: “60 clubs will shine intheir respective hometowns” and “the top tier will shine as national (global) content.” To achieve these goals,
the league has been implementing various reforms. The J.League celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2023
and, building on its 100 Year Vision, is aiming for additional growth over the next 30 years. Last year,J.League attendance returned to pre-pandemic record levels, and the total revenue of the league and clubs hit
an all-time high.
As a leading global strategy consulting firm, Kearney serves major corporations and governmentalorganizations across all key industries. In the sports sector, the firm has a proven track record of supporting awide range of clients, including leagues, clubs, associations, government agencies, club owners, sponsors,
broadcasters, event organizers, and apparel and retail businesses worldwide. Kearney is honored to support
the J.League’s goals as a trusted adviser and to contribute to the development of the sports industry byentering into this supporting company agreement.
Future initiatives
Kearney will expand its support from a management and business perspective, covering overall J.League
management strategy, marketing, partnerships, facility operations, and international business.
Comment from Shigeru Sekinada, Asia Pacific Region Chair and Managing Director Japan, Kearney“Our Japan office is committed to shaping a better future through business creation and transformation withour client companies, addressing global and Japanese societal challenges, and achieving ‘Changing Japan,
Changing the World.’ Celebrating its 30th anniversary last year, the J.League has significantly developed
under the slogan ‘Spreading happiness across the country with sports’ in its 100 Year Vision.”“Through this partnership agreement with the J.League, we aim to further contribute to the development of theJ.League and its stakeholders and to the advancement of Japanese society through the field of sports.”
Media inquiries:
Marketing/PR, Kearney Japan
Email: Japan.PR@kearney.com

Kearney is a leading global management consulting firm. For nearly 100 years, we have been atrusted advisor to C-suites, government bodies, and nonprofit organizations. Our people make us
who we are. Driven to be the difference between a big idea and making it happen, we work
alongside our clients to regenerate their businesses to create a future that works for everyone.