Football Australia locks in long awaited second tier competition and confirms start date

Football Australia’s long awaited national second tier competition has officially been announced with a start date locked in on the 2025 calendar. ERIN SMITH with all the details.

From pipe dream to reality - Football Australia’s long awaited national second tier competition finally has a name and an official start date.

The league, which has officially been unveiled as the Australian Championship, will kick off on October 10, 2025.

Football Australia confirmed last year it had been forced to pivot and remodel the competition after not being able to secure enough teams to run a full home and away season.

The Australian Championship will instead see 16 NPL clubs from around the country face off across nine matchdays and an elimination finals series - to be played in early December. Eight of the teams are locked in as foundation clubs - those that would have featured in the original second tier home and away series had it gone ahead.

The other eight will be made up of the teams that finish top of the table in each of the state based NPL competitions.

Yusuf Ahmed of Avondale FC will form part of the foundation teams. Picture: Josh Chadwick

Football Australia CEO James Johnson said the new league was a big step forward for the sport.

“The Australian Championship is much more than a competition, it’s a national celebration of football, uniting proud historic clubs, emerging talent and intergenerational community connection,” Johnson said.

“It reflects the core values of Australian football - authenticity, opportunity and ambition.

“This competition will complement the A-League, NPL and Australia Cup providing a connected, meaningful pathway for players and fans alike.

“Today’s brand launch is a statement of our commitment to grow domestic football in Australia and unlock its full potential.”

The branding for the Australian Championship connects with that used for other Football Australia leagues such as the NPL. It centres around the theme of “breakthrough”.

It is designed to symbolise the unity, growth, talent and community that make Australian football unique.

Football Australia haven’t given up hope on growing the competition in a full home and away league.

It is currently conducting a third Request for Proposal round to determine if any other clubs meet the criteria to join the league.

Football Australia are yet to reveal broadcast arrangements for the competition.

THE DETAILS

What is it?

The Australian Championship is a new competition, run by Football Australia. The aim is for the league to bridge the gap between state and national football competition - the NPL and A-League's. The ultimate goal is for the league to sit between the two as a national second tier and offer a channel for clubs to be promoted into the A-League Men’s competition.

How will it work?

The competition will feature 16 teams. Eight are foundation clubs selected by Football Australia after a thorough process including checking their financial stability. The other eight will be the winners of the respective state NPL competitions. The tournament will feature group stage home and away games then a final series. There will be four groups each with four teams with the top two qualifying for the quarterfinals.

When does it start?

The Australian Championship is due to kick off on October 10 2025 - coinciding with the A-League’s season and the end of the NPL season. There will be nine matchdays with the final held on the weekend of December 6/7.

What clubs will play?

The eight foundation clubs are:

APIA Leichhardt FC (NSW), Avondale FC (VIC), Marconi Stallions FC (NSW), Preston Lions FC (VIC), South Melbourne FC (VIC), Sydney Olympic FC (NSW), Sydney United 58 FC (NSW), Wollongong Wolves FC (NSW).

The winning team from each of the eight NPL state based leagues will also compete - so one club from Capital Football, Football NSW, Northern NSW Football, Football Queensland, Football South Australia, Football Tasmania, Football Victoria and Football West. If a club that finishes top of the NPL does not wish to compete or have the funds to take part it can opt out.

How will finals work?

The finals will be elimination finals. The quarterfinals will be played at the home ground of the top ranked teams after the group stage. Football Australia holds the rights to the semi-finals and grand final and stadium locations are yet to be announced.

Is there a salary cap for teams?

Given the revised format of the competition there will be no specific salary cap for this competition. Teams will follow the guidelines set for the NPL competition.

How much will clubs get for participating?

Football Australia will provide a subsidiary to help clubs cover the costs of travel for their away matches for this first season of the Australian Championship. The competition will be structured to limit travel in the group stages.

Why is FA launching a second tier when many A-League clubs are financially struggling?

Football Australia have consulted with the APL regarding this competition. FA said the APL was supportive of the new league and sharing a competition time frame.

What is the end goal?

While not what was first pitched by Football Australia the governing body is still working towards creating a stand-alone home and away league. But more teams are required. Football Australia is undertaking a further expression of interest process this year for teams looking to join the league. Teams have to prove they can meet the financial and other requirements in order to be selected.

How can I watch the games?

Football Australia is yet to reveal the broadcast arrangements for the Australian Championship competition.

Originally published as Football Australia locks in long awaited second tier competition and confirms start date