In an effort to grow the league and bring in more money for its 60 clubs, the J. League is on the cusp of a major transformation as it moves to a summer start beginning with the 2026-2027 season.
The decision to change the season schedule, which is currently scheduled to start in February, was announced last December, following the conclusion of the J. League’s 30th anniversary season, and will bring the league in line with the major European leagues.
“We have come to the conclusion that it is necessary to make the change to compete in global markets,” said Yoshikazu Nonomura, president of the J. League, who began his second term this year. He also expressed his commitment to accelerate preparations for the transition.
