In a bid to grow the league and bring in more money for its 60 clubs, the J. League is on the brink of a significant transformation as it transitions to a summer start beginning with the 2026-27 season.
Announced last December, after the conclusion of the J. League's 30th anniversary season, the decision to change the season schedule, which currently kicks off in February, will bring the league into line with major European leagues.
"We've come to the conclusion that it's necessary to implement the change in order to compete in global markets," said J. League Chairman Yoshikazu Nonomura, who began his second term this year. He also expressed his commitment to accelerating preparations for the transition.
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