New Toyama Grouses president Yoshida Tomomi (吉田朋美) appeared live ahead of the opening game and discussed the circumstances of her appointment, this season's policies, and the team's goals of reaching the playoffs in 3 years and winning the championship in 5 years.
Toyama Grouses are in B.League Premier this season, and Yoshida Tomomi (吉田朋美) became the new president following the departure of the previous president last year. In a live appearance ahead of the home opener, President Yoshida said she was “full of anticipation” and explained that the team would enter the home opener with all players available.
At a press conference, President Yoshida set the goals of reaching the playoffs in 3 years and becoming a championship-winning team in 5 years. She said she wanted to advance 3 initiatives: building an organization that wins, creating reasons for people to gather, and establishing systems that develop people. She outlined a policy of enhancing the appeal of the arena, incorporating entertainment elements and creating a hub that attracts people. For player development, she called for the establishment of a performance center and expressed her intention to provide children with opportunities to experience the world in Toyama.
Remaining in B.League Premier this season requires meeting 3 conditions concerning attendance, revenue and venue capacity: average attendance of at least 4,000, annual revenue of at least ¥1.2 billion and an arena with capacity for at least 5,000 people. President Yoshida emphasized the importance of meeting these requirements and also referred to initiatives encouraging ties between the region and players, including Rui Hachimura's comment that he “wants to play in Toyama.” She said supporters are the core of the club and expressed her desire to share a commitment to building the future together.