The two Japanese baseball leagues agreed Thursday not to give a one-game advantage to the regular-season winner during their respective playoffs next year.
The agreement came at a meeting of representatives from 12 teams as the Pacific League compromised on the Central League's claim that the one-game edge is unnecessary from a business point of view.
The CL will introduce the three-team, two-stage playoff format next year that has gained PL fan support. At the end of next season, the two leagues will again discuss what to do with any advantages for the regular-season winner.