After a dramatic climax to the season that saw Kashima Antlers defy the odds to win a record eighth championship title, and then some, the J. League first division returns to an orthodox one-stage format in 2017, with a massive sponsorship windfall providing an extra incentive for teams battling out the title race.
The J. League is pumping cash into the top flight in a bid to improve international competitiveness, using funds from a 10-year, ¥210 billion (about $2 billion) deal to sell digital online broadcasting rights to British-based Perform Group.
The pact is the largest commercial deal in the history of Japanese sports.