SUNNY SIDE UP launches “Number Sports Business College,” a program designed to envision the future of sports beyond 2020!
Hello, this is PR Sunny-chan!
In just two years, Japan will host three major sporting events.
In 2019, Rugby World Cup 2019; in 2020, the Summer Olympics and Paralympics in Tokyo; and in 2021, the Kansai World Masters Games in the Kansai region.
In response to the growing sports market, SUNNY SIDE UP’s Sports Division has launched “Number Sports Business College,” a paid membership salon specializing in sports business, starting in April. The program was founded by Jun Ikeda, former President and CEO of Yokohama DeNA BayStars, in partnership with Bungeishunju Ltd.’s Sports Graphic Number!
The first session featured Daichi Suzuki, Commissioner of the Japan Sports Agency, and the second session welcomed Dai Tamesue, World Championships 400m hurdles bronze medalist. Each session invites distinguished guests active in various sports to help those seriously interested in sports business learn about the current state and challenges of the Japanese sports industry.
This is from the second session with guest Dai Tamesue.
In this session, Mr. Tamesue shared his thoughts on athletes’ second careers and his efforts to promote track and field.
Participants asked diverse questions, including about “challenges facing Japanese sports ventures,” and together with the guest, they explored the current challenges facing sports and future development!
The purpose of “Number Sports Business College” is to produce individuals who can think about and execute sports as a business, under the concept of “envisioning the future of sports beyond 2020.” Therefore, the salon is not lecture-based but begins with a dialogue format with guests, followed by discussions including all participants.
The session time wasn’t enough, and after the salon ended, the venue was buzzing with participants asking Mr. Tamesue additional questions!
Session 3: B.League Chairman Masaaki Okawa
At the third session held recently, we welcomed Masaaki Okawa, Chairman of the professional basketball B.League, as our guest.
Until 2015, Japan’s basketball top league existed as two separate entities, which led to suspension from international competitions. With the Tokyo Olympics scheduled for 2020, the movement to unify the top league attracted significant attention at the time.
We heard valuable insights about the league’s founding, the current state of the B.League in its first year, and future challenges!
Reflecting on the B.League’s founding, Mr. Okawa said, “Starting the unification movement in 2015 and having to launch the league the following autumn with zero employees was one of the biggest challenges and decisions of my life.”
Considering basketball’s characteristic as a “sport to watch,” he discussed the challenge of creating more attractive content going forward, stating that one aspect of this is strengthening the level of the national team and clubs.
Participants asked many questions from the perspective of how basketball can develop into a professional league following baseball and soccer.
Mr. Okawa carefully answered each question, as if responding to the participants’ sincere desire to be involved in the sports business world!
While the B.League still faces many challenges,
there is a unique appeal and excitement in building the foundation of a new league!
Last month, SUNNY SIDE UP’s new employees also attended a B.League Sunrockers game!
(You can read the new employees’ report here.)
When we heard from the PR representative, we were impressed by how the club teams cooperate with each other to energize the B.League,
and the venue was filled with the vitality unique to a new league.
In this way, each session brings together Mr. Ikeda, the guest, and all participants to learn about the current state and challenges of sports business!
Sessions are held twice a month with approximately 30 participants. For those who cannot attend, such as regional residents,
live streaming is also available.
From June onward, major guests from basketball, soccer, and other sports are scheduled to appear,
so if you’re interested, please join Number Sports Business College!
Details can be found at the URL below:
http://number.bunshun.jp/tu/nsbc
