by sportswriters Wang Jingyu and Yang Ting

BEIJING, Feb. 27 (Xinhua) -- Increasing live stadium attendance is the cornerstone of success for top-tier professional leagues, said Saburo Kawabuchi, former president of the Japan Football Association (JFA), in an exclusive interview with Xinhua.

"The foremost mission for any elite professional league is to draw more spectators to stadiums," said Kawabuchi, the architect behind Japan's football and basketball league reforms.

"Before chasing commercial rights or league expansion, filling seats must take precedence. No matter how lucrative broadcasting deals or sponsorships become, empty stands signify failure. Televised matches risk losing their allure without the electrifying energy of live crowds."

THE REFORMER BEHIND JAPAN'S RISE IN ASIAN FOOTBALL

Kawabuchi, whose visionary leadership propelled Japan into Asia's football elite, stressed the critical need for financial sustainability in professional leagues and clubs.

"Chronic financial losses are a dead end," he asserted. "I question global salary structures in sports. Wages should align with club performance and revenue shares rather than fixed annual contracts. Sustainable growth hinges on balancing ambition with fiscal responsibility."

Reflecting on his dual role in reshaping Japanese football (J-League) and basketball (B-League), Kawabuchi acknowledged the unexpected success of both ventures.

"My football experience proved invaluable in basketball's reform. Frankly, the J-League's enduring success and the B-League's emergence as a thrilling product have surpassed my expectations. These leagues have not only entertained fans but also nurtured world-class talents who shine on the global stage."

CHALLENGES IN EXPANDING PROFESSIONALIZATION

As head of the Alliance of Japan Top Leagues - spanning nine sports and 12 leagues - Kawabuchi conceded that replicating football and basketball's triumphs in other team sports remains daunting.

"Football and basketball have revolutionized financial operations through professionalization. Other sports must follow suit to elevate Japan's overall athletic prowess. However, sports like hockey and handball face steep hurdles in achieving professionalism. Volleyball and rugby are currently semi-professional, while handball is next in line for targeted development."

OLYMPIC SUCCESS ROOTED IN GRASSROOTS GROWTH

Decades of systemic reforms have borne fruit: Japan's men's and women's teams in football, basketball, and volleyball all secured spots for the 2024 Paris Olympics - a feat Kawabuchi credits to soaring grassroots engagement.

"Revitalizing the 'big three' ball sports requires clubs to deepen community roots, fostering genuine passion and participation," he explained. "In Japan, under-12 football uses an 8-a-side format to lower entry barriers, enabling more teams to compete frequently. By letting children experience the joy of play, we've seen young talents steadily rise to prominence through these platforms." ■