J.LEAGUE season transition
Looking to the next 30 years

1On December 19th, in the J.LEAGUE board meeting,the following was resolved:“The J.LEAGUE has decided to shift the timing of the

opening of the season from 2026/27 and to continue toconsider any remaining issues related to the matter.”2

J.LEAGUE match schedule following season transition (Overview)

Jan.

Current season

Dec.

Feb.

● Start around third week of Feb.
Start
Nov.

Matches in December continue
for about one week longer● End around first week of Dec.

Mar.

No change to February
match scheduleOct.

Apr.

Post season transition● Start around first week of Aug.

Sep.

May

● End around the last week of May.
● Winter break during snowy season
・Matches until around second
week of Dec.
・Resume matches from aroundthird week of Feb.

StartAug.

Off season

Jun.

Jul.
J1 clubs have break approx. three times in eight years(due to the FIFA World Cup and AFC Asian Cup)3

Consideration process
2023

Feb.

Mar.

Apr.

May

Jun.

Jul.

Aug.

Sep.

Oct.

Nov.

Dec.

● Considerations in various stakeholder meetings● Stadium coordination working group

Preparatory phase● Tournaments during transition working group● Opinion exchange working group● Confirmation of items to be adjusted/considered● Initial confirmation of benefits from a footballing
perspective, etc.

● Football working group

Four working groups

Various stakeholder meetings
and working groups

Considering
J.LEAGUE’s next vision● Snowy regions working group● Business & marketing working group● Management working group● Considering the J.LEAGUE’s next vision

Determining
the “ideal season”

Based on considerations to date and the next vision,consider and determine what the ideal season would befor Japanese football4Background to considerations

5

May 15, 1993
J.LEAGUE Launch
Our Mission
一 To raise the level of Japanese football and promote the diffusion of the gamethrough the medium of professional football.
一 To foster the development of Japan’s sporting culture, to assist in the healthymental and physical growth of Japanese people.
一To contribute to international friendship and exchange.

6

1993

2023

Achievements of the past 30 years●

Grown from 10 clubs (8 prefectures) to 60 clubs (41prefectures)●Japan National Team has become a world-class team on
the international stage●Won the AFC Champions League●

Club sales top 130 billion yen●Average attendance at J1 LEAGUE matches exceeds 20,000Etc.

7

Growing divide with the rest of the world
England Premier League ▶

Club sales
Total

Total sales for 20 clubs
Approx.

830 billion yen

Around 1994-95 sales for bothwere around 50 billion yen

1993

Total sales for 58 clubs

J.LEAGUE ▶ 137.5 billion yen

2022* From “Deloitte Football Finance” and J.LEAGUE study. Figures are for the England Premier League from the 1992-93 to the 2021-22 season. Figures for the J.LEAGUE are from the 1993 to 2022 season.
Average yen- € exchange rate is calculated separately for each season. For the 2021-22 season the exchange rate was 1€＝128.435 yen.

8Growing divide with the rest of the world【Annual sales】
Avg. 63.0 billion yen

Broadcasting rights
fees, etc.

【Annual sales】
Avg. 23.1 billion yen

Tickets revenue, etc.

【Annual sales 】
Avg. 6.8 billion yen
Allocation of broadcastingrights fees, etc.

OthersSponsorship,Merchandize, etc.

Tickets revenue, etc.

Broadcasting rights
fees, etc.

Sponsorship,
Merchandize, etc.

Tickets revenue, etc.
Sponsorship,
Merchandize, etc.

J.LEAGUE Top 5 clubs

Foreign clubs ranked 21-40

Top 20 foreign clubs(Urawa Reds, Kawasaki Frontale, Yokohama F･Marinos,Vissel Kobe, Kashima Antlers)(AS Roma, Ajax Amsterdam, Sevilla FC, Villarreal CF, SL Benfica, SSC
Napoli, FC Porto, S.S. Lazio, etc.)(Manchester City FC, Real Madrid CF, Paris Saint-Germain,
FC Bayern München, etc.)* From J.LEAGUE survey. Data for foreign clubs from 2021-22 season, and for J.LEAGUE from 2022 season. Foreign club sales do not include income from transfers. Exchange rate: 1USD=120 yen.

919932023

2023

30th anniversaryof J.LEAGUE

2053

Looking tothe next 30 years

101993

2023

2053

Looking to the next 30 years
Ultimate goals are:
To make J.LEAGUE the world’s no. 1 league.

For the Japan National Team, comprised mainly of J.LEAGUE players to win
the FIFA World Cup.
However, in view of the current gap between the J.LEAGUE and European topteams,

a specific “situation that we should aim to achieve as a first step” will beidentified as a goal.
11

30 years to date

Next 10 years

20 years beyond thatFurther newGrowth

Situation to aim toachieve as a first step
▼Vision for next 10 years

Currentposition
199312

Vision for next 10 years 1J.LEAGUE that can win titles in Asia andtake on the world●ACL Elite:

Win the title twice every four years (=2 clubs participate in FIFA Club World Cup)
All three participating clubs get into the final eight every year
●FIFA Club World Cup:
Final eight or better every year●

Sales scale of top clubs:
20 billion yen*Details are currently still under consideration.

13

Vision for next 10 years 2Japan National Team players fromEuropean League clubs and J.LEAGUE clubs●

Create “world-class standard” in J.LEAGUECreate an environment to demonstrate that
“Playing in J.LEAGUE” ＝ “Playing on the global stage”●

Boost proportion of J.LEAGUE players who are members of the Japan
National Team to 30% (= 8/26 squad players)＊Currently around 15% (=4/26 squad players)*Details are currently still under consideration.

14

Vision for next 10 years 3

Boost total J.LEAGUE sales by 1.5 to 2 times●

While raising the top line, ensure that each club can become a key presence
among the local community and in its home region【In the case of doubling sales】＊Comparison with FY2022 management information. Rounded to the nearest 100 million.
J1 avg: 4.9 billion → 9.7 billion
J2 avg: 1.7 billion → 3.5 billion
J3 avg: 0.7 billion → 1.3 billion*Details are currently still under consideration.

15

Vision for next 10 years【Summary】

J.LEAGUE that can win titles in Asia andtake on the world
Japan National Team players from
European League clubs and J.LEAGUE clubs
Boost total J.LEAGUE sales by 1.5 to 2 times*Details are currently still under consideration.

16

How to realize the vision for next 10 years?

Taking on theworld infootball

Acquireincome fromoverseas

Build acompetitiveenvironment

Overwhelming
exposure in allregions

Creating anenvironment
where everyone
can enjoy sports
appropriately

Top tier clubs shine as providers of national (and global) content
All 60 clubs shine as a beacon for their various regions/communities*Details are currently still under consideration.

17

Current J.LEAGUE environment18

Current J.LEAGUE environment

Issues to be solved 1

Discrepancy with AFC Champions League (ACL) season● ACL implemented a season transition from 2023.
● This means that there is a discrepancy with the J.LEAGUE season, meaning that clubs have tocompete in the ACL during the J.LEAGUE off season.

J.LEAGUE

ACLFeb.

2023 season

Dec.

Sep.

2023-24 seasonFeb.

2024 season

MayDec.

Sep.

2024-25 season★Expansion of FIFA Club World Cup
From 2025 the FIFA Club World Cup will expand to include 32 clubs (held every four years).
12 clubs from Europe will also be competing, creating an event where J.LEAGUE clubs can competeseriously with the world’s top clubs.
From Asia, participation rights in the FIFA Club World Cup will be granted to the winners of the ACL
2021, 2022, 2023/24 and high-ranked club of AFC ranking.
19

Current J.LEAGUE environment

Issues to be solved 2Mid-season overseas transfers
due to discrepancy with European season● The global transfer market generally hits its peak prior to the opening of the European season(summer).
1.03 trillion yen

Total transfer fees in summer (=mid-J.LEAGUE season)
Total transfer fees in winter(=prior to opening of J.LEAGUE season)●220 billion yen

Although summer is the height of the J.LEAGUE season, many strong players leave mid-season forinternational transfers.

＊ Total transfer fees: Survey implemented by FIFA. Approximate amount calculated at 1USD＝140 yen.
＊ Summer overseas transfers: Survey by J.LEAGUE and Wyscout data, powered by Hudl. Yellow highlights show Japan National Team players (incl. various youth team players).
The percentages shown above represent the “proportion of time played in the J.LEAGUE club concerned prior to transfer.”・Transfer to Europe prior to season opening: Percentage of time played in the immediately preceding season.
・Transfer to Europe mid-season: Percentage of time played in the first half of the season.

20

Current J.LEAGUE environment

Issues to be solved 3

Transfer sales from overseas● For current Japanese players the trend is to increase their transfer fees significantly as throughmid-tier European leagues.
Model case for transfer fees of Japanese player
Market value

Mid-tier European league▶ Top European league

Transfer fee 2.0 billion yen

J1 LEAGUE ▶

Mid-tier European league

Transfer fee 100 million yen

Season1-2 years● Overseas, the number of clubs with transfer fee sales of more than 1 billion yen is more than 100clubs annually.
For the J.LEAGUE, however, total overseas transfer fee sales for all clubs combined are between
1.5 to 2.5 billion yen annually.
＊The above model case is based on data for multiple Japanese players on Transfermarkt, creating a model specifically for the J.LEAGUE.
＊Club transfer fee sales figures are from surveys implemented by the J.LEAGUE.

21

Current J.LEAGUE environment

Issues to be solved

4

Performance impacted by extreme heat
● There is a marked decrease in players’ running distance and high-intensity running distance during

times of extreme heat (June-September)【Comparison of high-intensity running distance】＊Comparison based on 0 being J1 LEAGUE running distance in February

(km)

Feb.

Mar.

Apr.

May.

Jun.

Jul.

Aug.

Sep.

Oct.

Nov.

J1

0.74

0.76

0.75

0.72

0.65

0.64

0.60

0.64

0.68

0.70

0.67

0.68

0.70

Europe top 5

Dec.

Jan.

Feb.

Mar.

Apr.

May.

0.73

0.73

0.74

0.73

0.73

0.71

0.68

-1.3%

-1.2%

-1.0%

-0.7%

5%

2.3%

0%

1.3%

-4.0%

0.0%
-5%

-0.3%

-5.3%

-3.1%
-7.5%

-5.1%

-9.2%
-8.4%

-10%

-11.9%-15%

-20%

-8.2%

J1 LEAGUE-12.8%
Performance drops significantly due toextreme heat, recovering in the Autumnmonths.
→ Valley-shaped curve-13.1%

Top 5 European leagues
Player condition improves from season opening, reaches apeak and then drops off later in the season.
→ Mountain-shaped curve-19.1%＊High-intensity running distance: Average distance spent running at high intensity (over 20km/h) by each field player per match. Based on players who are on the field for more than 60 minutes during a match.
＊Data from SkillCorner. Top 5 European leagues: Data from the 2021-22 season, representing the average of the top 5 leagues (England, Spain, Germany, Italy, France). J1 LEAGUE: Data from the 2022 season.

22

Current J.LEAGUE environment

Issues to be solved 4【Comparison of increase/decrease in high-intensity running distance】*In both cases comparisons are based on the opening month being set to 0.

Top 5 European leagues+9.8% five months after opening of season

SeasonopeningSeason
close

J1 LEAGUE-19.1% six months after opening of season＊High-intensity running distance: Average distance spent running at high intensity (over 20km/h) by each field player per match. Based on players who are on the field for more than 60 minutes during a match.
＊Data from SkillCorner. Top 5 European leagues: Data from the 2021-22 season, representing the average of the top 5 leagues (England, Spain, Germany, Italy, France). J1 LEAGUE: Data from the 2022 season.

23

What can be achieved by season transition?

24

What can be achieved byseason transition?

Making the J.LEAGUE
a stage for taking on the world
25

Making the J.LEAGUE
a stage for taking on the worldTransform high-intensity play from a “valley-shaped curve” to a “mountain-shaped curve.”

The J.LEAGUE has spent the past 30 years following a “valley-shaped curve”
Following a “valley-shaped curve” players spend the season “enduring” an overall decline in condition.
Conversely, in the case of a “mountain-shaped curve” players spend the season “seeking to attain new heights as athletes.”

As these differences accumulate over the course of seasons, the goals that players reach as athletes change.

If you play in the J.LEAGUE, you can play to a global standard.
If you play in the J.LEAGUE, you can take on the world as a Japan National Team member.
If you continue to play in the J.LEAGUE, you can grow as an athlete.

By making the J.LEAGUE a stage for taking on the world, the value of the J.LEAGUE as a whole will be transformed.
* Performance drops significantly due to extreme heat, recovering in the Autumn months. → Valley-shaped curve* Player condition improves from season opening, reaches a peak and then drops off later in the season. → Mountain-shaped curve26

Making the J.LEAGUEa stage for taking on the world
Align with the ACL season● Win in the ACL, and take on the world in the FIFA Club World Cup● Acquire prize money from international tournaments

Align with European transfer market● Expand transfer fee income from overseas transfers● Avoid strong players leaving a team in the middles of the J.LEAGUE season● Promote the acquisition/contracting of players and coaches from Europe

Reduce no. of matches played in extreme heat
● June-July will be off season● Make preparations during the off season in time for August27

Making the J.LEAGUE a stage for taking on the world
Align withEuropean transfer market

Align with the ACL season

Environment
where players cangive their best

Improvefootballingstandards

Increase in transfer
fee revenue

Thrills and excitement forfans/supporters

Reduce no. of matches
played in extreme heat

Win the ACL /appear in FIFA ClubWorld Cup

Acquire prize moneyfrom international
tournaments

Providing value topartners and media

Increase no. ofnational players

Increase J.LEAGUE
sales throughbroadcasting rights
fees, etc.

Local/community
contribution
28

Overview of season transition

29

Overview of season transition

Match schedule (League matches)

1Jan.

Current season

Dec.

Feb.

● Start around third week of Feb.
StartNov.

Matches in December continue
for about one week longer● End around first week of Dec.

Mar.

No change to February
match schedule
Oct.

Apr.

Post season transition● Start around first week of Aug.

Sep.

May

● End around the last week of May.

● Winter break during snowy season
・Matches until around second
week of Dec.
・Resume matches from aroundthird week of Feb.

StartAug.

Off season

Jun.

Jul.
J1 clubs have break approx. three times in eight years(due to the FIFA World Cup and AFC Asian Cup)

30

Overview of season transition

2

Clubs from snowy regions have consecutive away matches(League matches)* Compiled based on club self-reporting at time of match scheduling simulation Ver. 2 (July).

In comparison with a situation where there is no season transition(=no matches in second week of December), there will be some clubsthat will have an extra away match prior to the winter break.

31

Overview of season transition3

Support for clubs from snowy regions, etc.

Support measure (1): Support for increase in training camp costs● Training camp costs during the off season (summer) and winter break● Training camp costs during the season when playing matches while holding a camp outside of hometown

Support measure (2): Support for development of facilities● Air dome where sports can be played● Stadium support in snowy areas● Extreme heat support, etc., in areas other than snowy areas© DUOL32

REF

Overview of season transition

Match schedule proposal (J1)

[About match schedule proposal (in its current form)]【試合日程案（現状のタタキ）について】• More work is necessary to finalize the various details●今後、まだ様々な詳細を詰めていく必要がある状況のものです。

• International match schedule includes situations where unconfirmed fixtures are●国際試合の日程は、未確定のものを想定している状態を含みます。
anticipated.

●モデル：Ｊ１リーグ
1回戦～決勝/ 天皇杯
2回戦～決勝/ ACL不参加• Model: J1 LEAGUE 3838節
Sec.// YLC
YLC 1stround to final/ Emperor’s
Cup 2ndround to final /ACL no participation
Week
平日
days

Week
ends
土日&祝
holidays

ACL E

IW

オフ
Off

＊ACL E：ACLエリート

Cancelled
中断＊IW：インターナショナルウインドー*ACL E: ACL Elite, *IW: International window

Current season (for comparison)

After season transition

33

REF

Overview of season transition

Match schedule proposal (J2)

[About match schedule proposal (in its current form)]【試合日程案（現状のタタキ）について】• More work is necessary to finalize the various details●今後、まだ様々な詳細を詰めていく必要がある状況のものです。

• International match schedule includes situations where unconfirmed fixtures are●国際試合の日程は、未確定のものを想定している状態を含みます。
anticipated.

●モデル：Ｊ２リーグ
1回戦～3回戦
天皇杯/ 2回戦～R16/ ACL不参加• Model: J2 LEAGUE 3838節
Sec.// YLC
YLC 1stround to 3rd/round
Emperor’s Cup
2nd round to

R16 / ACL no participation
Week
平日
days

Weekends
土日&祝
holidays

IWOffオフ

Cancelled中断＊IW：インターナショナルウインドー*IW: International windowCurrent season (for comparison)

After season transition

34

REF

Overview of season transition

Match schedule proposal (J3)

[About match schedule proposal (in its current form)]【試合日程案（現状のタタキ）について】• More work is necessary to finalize the various details●今後、まだ様々な詳細を詰めていく必要がある状況のものです。

• International match schedule includes situations where unconfirmed fixtures are●国際試合の日程は、未確定のものを想定している状態を含みます。
anticipated.

●モデル：Ｊ３リーグ
1回戦～3回戦
天皇杯/ 1回戦～3回戦
ACL不参加• Model: J3 LEAGUE 3838節
Sec.// YLC
YLC 1stround to 3rd/round
Emperor’s Cup/1stround to3rd round / ACL no participation
Week
平日days

Week
ends
土日&祝
holidays

IW

オフ
Off

Cancelled
中断＊IW：インターナショナルウインドー*IW: International window

Current season (for comparison)

After season transition

35

Summary36

On December 19th, in the J.LEAGUE board meeting,the following was resolved:“The J.LEAGUE has decided to shift the timing of theopening of the season from 2026/27 and to continue toconsider any remaining issues related to the matter.”37

30 years to date

Next 10 years

20 years beyond that

Further newgrowth

Situation to aim toachieve as a first step
▼Vision for next 10 years

Currentposition
199338

Vision for next 10 years

J.LEAGUE that can win titles in Asia andtake on the world
Japan National Team players from
European League clubs and J.LEAGUE clubs
Boost total J.LEAGUE sales by 1.5 to 2 times*Details are currently still under consideration.

39

What can be achieved by season transition?

Making the J.LEAGUE a stage for taking on the world
Align with
European transfer market

Align with the ACL season

Environment
where players cangive their best

Improvefootballingstandards

Increase in transfer
fee revenue

Thrills and excitement forfans/supporters

Reduce no. of matches
played in extreme heat

Win the ACL /appear in FIFA ClubWorld Cup

Acquire prize moneyfrom international
tournaments

Providing value topartners and media

Increase no. ofnational players

Increase J.LEAGUE
sales throughbroadcasting rights,
etc.

Local/community
contribution
40