The J.League on Wednesday announced the assignment of J.League Club Licenses for the 2017 season.

The licenses, which are awarded based on a number of factors including club financials, quality of facilities, and academy development, are required in order to play in the J1 or J2 Leagues.

Clubs without a J1 Club License are not eligible for promotion to the J1 League even if they finish in an automatic promotion or promotion playoff spot.

The results of this year’s applications are as follows:

J1 Club License (40 clubs)

Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo, Vegalta Sendai, Montedio Yamagata, Kashima Antlers, Tochigi SC, Thespa Kusatsu Gunma, Urawa Reds, Omiya Ardija, JEF United Chiba, Kashiwa Reysol, FC Tokyo, Tokyo Verdy, Kawasaki Frontale, Yokohama F. Marinos, Yokohama FC, Shonan Bellmare, Ventforet Kofu, Matsumoto Yamaga, Albirex Niigata, Kataller Toyama, Zweigen Kanazawa, Shimizu S-Pulse, Jubilo Iwata, Nagoya Grampus, FC Gifu, Kyoto Sanga, Gamba Osaka, Cerezo Osaka, Vissel Kobe, Fagiano Okayama, Sanfrecce Hiroshima, Renofa Yamaguchi, Tokushima Vortis, Ehime FC, Avispa Fukuoka, Giravanz Kitakyushu, Sagan Tosu, V-Varen Nagasaki, Roasso Kumamoto, Oita Trinita

J2 Club License (5 clubs)

Mito Hollyhock, Machida Zelvia, AC Nagano Parceiro, Gainare Tottori, Kamatamare Sanuki

* J3 Club Licenses are different from J1 and J2 licenses in that they represent the minimum standards required to play as a J3 League club. Decisions on J3 Club License applications will be confirmed by the league’s board of directors at a later date.