The league began on March 15 and ended on November 29. none The following were sixteen clubs participated in J.League Division 1 during 2003 season.
Of these clubs, Oita Trinita and Cerezo Osaka were newly promoted from Division 2.
The clubs were ranked by points, and tie breakers are, in the following order: A draw would be conducted, if necessary.
The club that finished at the top of the table is declared stage champion and qualifies for the Suntory Championship.
In 2003, Suntory Championship was again not held because Yokohama F. Marinos had won both the first and the second stage and thus were automatically declared 2003 J.League Division 1 Champions.