- The three organisations join forces again to formalise their existing relationship which aims to foster the sustainable growth of women’s football in Spain and Japan.
- The MOU, which runs until the end of 2026, covers a host of areas of collaboration, from commercial and broadcasting growth and competition professionalisation to financial sustainability and grassroots development.
The scope of the MOU, which extends until December 2026, focuses primarily on working together to foster the sustainable growth of women’s football in both Japan and Spain through the sharing of information and best practices, as well as collaborating in areas of technical, financial and institutional development.
Building on the strong existing relationship between the three organisations, the agreement will see LALIGA, the WE LEAGUE and the NADESHIKO LEAGUE organise joint workshops and collaborate on consulting projects covering areas such as league and club management, commercial and broadcasting development, the professionalisation of competitions, financial sustainability, the internationalization of women’s football, digital content creation, and boosting grassroots football, among others.
The framework of the MOU will also extend to organising friendly matches and tournaments at both professional and grassroots levels, boosting the presence of women in coaching programmes, as well as the development of CSR plans promoting gender equality and the integration of girls and women in society through football.
Guillermo Pérez, delegate of LALIGA in Japan, said: “We are delighted to sign this MOU with the Japan Women’s Empowerment Professional Football League and the Japan Women’s Football League, formalising the great work we’ve been doing together for some time now. Working together and sharing knowledge and perspective is the key to unleashing the true potential of women’s football, not just in Japan and Spain but around the world, and we are confident that this agreement is a big step in that direction”
Ken ADACHI, General Secretary of the WE LEAGUE, said “We are excited to have signed a MOU with the LALIGA. This agreement will strengthen the connection between Spanish and Japanese football and create new opportunities. By sharing knowledge and working together, we aim to help both sides grow, unlock the full potential of women’s football, and take it to the next level. We believe this partnership is a key step toward a brighter future.”
Junko EGAWA, General Secretary of Women’s Football League, the NADESHIKO LEAGUE, said “As the highest-level amateur women’s football league in Japan, we have re-signed agreements with LALIGA and the WE LEAGUE. To further grow women’s football in Japan as a whole, it is very meaningful to join this agreement with Spain, a leader in European women’s football, together with the WE LEAGUE, a professional women’s league, and we believe this will lead to high-quality exchanges. The NADESHIKO LEAGUE is made up of 24 teams from all over Japan, and each team also plays an important role in broadening the base of women’s football in their own region. We would like everyone to keep an eye on the NADESHIKO LEAGUE as it continues to add depth to women’s football in Japan.”
LALIGA has long been committed to growing football across the board in Japan. Since opening a delegation in the country in 2017, LALIGA has worked closely with the WE LEAGUE and the NADESHIKO LEAGUE and with other entities.
LALIGA is the largest football ecosystem in the world. It is a private sports association composed of the 20 public limited sports companies (SADs) and clubs of LALIGA EA SPORTS and the 22 of LALIGA HYPERMOTION, and is responsible for organising professional football competitions in Spain. LALIGA has over 247 million followers globally across social networks, on 16 platforms and in 20 different languages. With its headquarters in Madrid (Spain) it has the most extensive international network of any sports property and is present in 38 countries through 10 offices. The organisation carries out its social work through its FOUNDATION and was the world’s first professional football league to establish a league for intellectually challenged footballers: LALIGA GENUINE.
The WE LEAGUE (Women Empowerment League) is Japan’s first professional women’s football league, established with the mission to promote gender equality, diversity, and inclusion through sport. Launched in 2021, the league consists of 12 clubs and aims to empower women on and off the pitch by creating a platform for athletes to shine and inspiring future generations. By fostering a sustainable environment for women’s football, the WE LEAGUE strives to elevate the sport to new heights while contributing to the advancement of society as a whole.
The NADESHIKO LEAGUE (Japan Women’s Football League) is a premier women’s football league in Japan, dedicated to fostering the growth of female athletes and promoting the development of women’s football nationwide. Established in 1999, the league features top clubs from across the country and emphasizes community engagement to spread football culture and contribute to local communities. As a vital foundation for nurturing future NADESHIKO JAPAN players, the league plays a key role in supporting and advancing women’s football.