WEリーグ＋ カップ戦で大幅フォーマット変更導入：キックオフ時間調整＆プレーオフ新設へ

The WE League has unveiled significant revisions to the 2025–26 Cup competition—dubbed "WE League Plus Cup"—featuring revamped group stages, a new playoff bracket, and tweaks to kickoff schedules, including midweek and prime-time matchups aimed at boosting fan engagement and broadcasting reach.

🗓 Context & Timeline

The previous 2024–25 WE League Cup ran from August 31 to December 29, 2024, with Sanfrecce Hiroshima Regina successfully defending their title 1–0 over INAC Kobe Leonessa at Japan National Stadium.

In a June 2025 announcement, organizers outlined a bold new competition structure for the 2025–26 season.

🔄 Format Overhaul

Group Stage Expansion: The 12 teams will be split into three groups of four. Each team plays a single round-robin (three matches). The top two finishers from each group—and the two best third-placed teams—advance to a revamped playoff bracket.

Playoff Introduction: The knockout rounds will now include quarter-finals, semi-finals, and a final—each played as single-leg ties, bringing clearer stakes and eliminating the previous purely group-based format.

⏰ Kickoff Time Adjustments

Midweek Prime-Time Matches: Key group-stage matches will be scheduled for Wednesday evenings (19:00 JST) to capture broader TV viewership.

Weekend Spotlight Kickoffs: Semi-finals and the final will be pushed to Saturday/Sunday evenings (18:00 JST) to maximize stadium attendance and Prime-Time TV slots.

🎙 Quotes from Officials & Analysis

WE League Director, Ayako Fujimoto, said:

"これらの変更はファンの観戦体験を向上し、選手のパフォーマンスと中継効果を最適化する目的があります。"
("These changes aim to enhance fan experience and optimize player performance and broadcast impact.")

Analysts highlight that adding knockout rounds increases excitement, drive viewership, and align the Cup with international standards such as UEFA's single-leg quarters in the new Champions League format.

📊 Impact on Teams & Players

Match Density: Teams reaching finals play six Cup matches—three more than last season—boosting player load but increasing commercial value.

Competitive Balance: Third-place teams now retain hope via best-third slots, maintaining engagement late into group play.

Broadcast Boost: Evening slots should improve TV ratings on DAZN/TV Tokyo and drive higher in-stadium attendance.

✅ Implications for the League

Commercial Growth: More high-stakes games and prime-time exposure will attract sponsorships and advertiser interest.

Player Development: Knockout pressure prepares Japanese talent for AFC or international ties.

Model for Others: Similar to England's discussions on revamping cups and Scotland's Challenge Cup redesign, the WE League lead could influence broader women's football trends.