Arab News Japan

TOKYO: The electronics company Panasonic announced that it will establish a new corporate division to manage the sports teams it owns from October 1, including the Gamba Osaka football team, with the goal of making them into a sustainable business.

Professional sports have been facing numerous cancelations and challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but the company is betting on a brighter future.

The J1 League, which Gamba Osaka belongs to, resumed in July. In addition, with the planned launch of new rugby and volleyball leagues, focus will also be given to the Panasonic Panthers volleyball team and the Panasonic Wild Knights rugby team.

Panasonic plans to use the new division to work on various marketing activities, including a single website for all its sports teams and a new fan club for the Panthers.

“The sporting world is one of the communities that can gather and link people of all nationalities and generations,” said a statement from Panasonic. “Going forward, the company will accelerate its efforts to contributing through sports to a better life for all.”