Half of the teams in the J.League's first division posted losses in 2010, with revenues falling across the board because of a stagnant economy, reports Asahi Shimbun. Big-name teams including the Urawa Reds, Yokohama F Marinos, and J.League winners Nagoya Grampus were among the nine teams in the red, a marked increase from the five teams losing money in 2009.
The average operating revenue in the division was 3.03 billion yen (about $39.42 million), 8 percent lower than the previous year.
Advertising revenue fell by 9 percent to 1.354 billion yen, and admission revenues slipped 2 percent to 682 million yen.
J.League Chairman Kazumi Ohigashi said the global recession was the biggest factor in the fall in revenues.
The Urawa Reds had the highest operating revenue with 5.625 billion yen, but posted a loss of 259 million yen, a steep 800 million yen fall from the profit reported in 2009.
The club said its admission revenues and merchandizing sales were weak because of the team's disappointing 10th position in the league.
The J.League winner Nagoya Grampus and the Yokohama F. Marinos both saw increases attendances, but reported losses.
