In a mad rush to expand, the bj-league is ignoring a number of real concerns, including the pressing need to aggressively market itself in Tokyo, this nation's entertainment, government, financial and media capital.
Maybe you've heard prospective ownership groups in Chiba and Iwate Prefectures are among those interested in gaining a new expansion franchise for the 2011-12 season, and an announcement is scheduled for Aug. 26.
If two new teams are added, and if none of the current 16 clubs goes out of business, the bj-league will have 18 clubs during its seventh season. But according to a league news release, it appears only one team will be added for the 2011-12 season; of course, there's time for the league to change its mind and try to keep an even number of teams.