RB Omiya Ardija (RB大宮アルディージャ, Arubi Ōmiya Arudīja) is a Japanese professional association football club based in Ōmiya, Saitama Prefecture. Its "hometown" (as designated by the league) is shared with neighbours Urawa Red Diamonds. The team is set to compete in the J2 League from 2025, the Japanese second tier of professional football, after promotion from the third tier in 2024.
Crest
Former logo, used until 2024
Omiya Ardija's crest features a squirrel on the right, which is the animal of Omiya. On the left, there are 5 lines, which reference the historic roads that run through Omiya, including the famous Nakasendō, which runs to the Hikawa Shrine, right near Nack5 Stadium.[1][2]
On 6 November 2024, Omiya Ardija announcement officially change crest and name to RB Omiya Ardija after acquiring Red Bull GmbH from 2025.[3] Logo colour is Orange and Blue.
Former nickname Omiya is Tisu a squirrel in Japan.
In 1998 it was separately incorporated as NTT Sport Community K.K. based in Ōmiya to participate in the J. League. The name "Ardija" is a transcription of the Spanish languageardilla (squirrel) which is the mascot of Ōmiya and the park in which their home stadium is located.[4][5]
In 2005–2007 most of Omiya's home matches were held at Saitama Stadium 2002 and Urawa Komaba Stadium due to expansion works at their home ground. In October 2007 the expansion was complete. On November 11, the re-opening match was held as a J. League season match between the Ardija and Ōita Trinita (1–2).[7]
Omiya competed in the J1 League following an immediate promotion in 2015 after being relegated in 2014. Omiya was relegated again following the 2017 season. They competed in J1 2005 and continued to remain until 2014, following promotion from J2 in 2004 as the second placed team.
In 2023, Omiya were relegated to J3 League after six seasons stint in second division due to worst performance and will play third division football for the first time since 1993.
On 15 February 2024, before the start of the season, Sports Nippon reported that Austrian energy drink maker Red Bull may buy a J.League club, and that Omiya Ardija was the leading candidate.[8] On July 26 of the same year, the Nihon Keizai Shimbun reported that Red Bull had reached an agreement in principle to buy Omiya Ardija.[9]
In August 2024, Omiya Ardija announced Red Bull as their new owner, after acquiring 100% of the club shares, formerly owned by NTT, becoming part of their multi-club ownership.[10] This will be the first time that a foreign company has become the sole owner of a major Japanese professional sports team, including the J.League.[11] Red Bull began by acquiring management rights to Austrian first division club Salzburg in 2005 and now owns six clubs: Leipzig in Bundesliga, New York Red Bulls in the United States MLS, Liefering in Admiral 2. Liga, Bragantino in Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A and Red Bull Brasil (now Red Bull Bragantino II) in the Sao Paulo State Championship. In the past, they also owned Red Bull Ghana in Africa and Omiya will be the eighth club they own.
NTT East will continue to support the company as a sponsor even after the transfer of shares.[12]
On 13 October 2024, Omiya secure promotion to J2 League after defeat Fukushima United 3-2 and return to second tier after one year absence. Six days later, Omiya secure first title of J3 League after draw against FC Imabari 1-1 on matchweek 33.
Omiya Ardija has two squirrels as its mascots, named Ardi and Miya. Both wear the team kits. According to the club website, Miya is one size smaller than Ardi, being then, slightly shorter than him.[13][4]
Pos. = Position in league; P = Games played; W = Games won; D = Games drawn; L = Games lost; F = Goals scored; A = Goals conceded; GD = Goals difference; Pts = Points gained
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
