On 28 October 2022, Iwate Grulla Morioka acquired the J1 License, meaning that from the 2022 season, they can now be promoted to the J1 League if the club finishes in J2's Top 2.

After just one season in the second division, the club were relegated back to the J3 after finishing in 22nd and last place in the league with a total of thirty-four points.

On 3 November 2024, Iwate finished last position after draw 1-1 against Zweigen Kanazawa on away game and possibility relegation to JFL for the first time in history from 2025.

[2][3] On 17 November at same year, relegation to JFL was confirmed by Iwate after Tochigi City FC secure promotion automatic to J3 League for the first time in history.

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply.