Solving Business Challenges for Regional Sports Clubs with Side-Hustle and Freelance Talent: Full-Scale Launch of 'Skill Return with SPORTS'

PERSOL CAREER's comprehensive professional talent support service, 'HiPro,' is officially launching 'Skill Return with SPORTS,' an initiative connecting side-hustle and freelance talent from urban areas with regional professional sports clubs. Freelance professionals will support clubs in solving business challenges, contributing to regional revitalization. This also provides new opportunities for individuals wanting to apply their skills in the sports sector. At the business policy briefing held today, May 28 (Thursday), the company announced the deployment strategy for 'Skill Return with SPORTS' and the start of a partnership with the B.LEAGUE. The event featured case studies from VELTEX Sports Enterprise Co., Ltd. and a talk session with B.LEAGUE General Manager Rumi Sugawara. The primary barrier to growth for regional sports clubs is the 'securing of business talent.' While many people want to work in sports, regional clubs often lack the mechanisms to attract talent from other areas. PERSOL CAREER began supporting B.LEAGUE's recruitment activities in April 2026, focusing on 'strengthening,' 'management,' and 'social contribution.' By 2026, the goal is to create 60 matches under the B.LEAGUE partnership. The initiative includes two main measures: (1) Acquiring talent from outside the prefecture, and (2) Talent sharing between regional companies using the 'HiPro Direct' platform. Furthermore, 'HiPro' and 'doda' will collaborate to address both freelance and full-time employment needs. A pilot project with VELTEX Shizuoka has already begun as of January 2026 to address organizational strengthening and B-Premier promotion challenges.