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{{Short description|none}}
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The '''Expansion of the A-League Men''' is the ongoing process of establishing new clubs in the [[A-League Men]]. The A-League Men was established to replace the [[National Soccer League|NSL]] as the top [[soccer]] division in the [[Australian association football league system|Australian league system]] and is the only fully professional league in the country. It was founded in 2004 with eight teams commencing competition in [[2005–06 A-League|2005]] and has since expanded into new markets across Australia and New Zealand. The league is currently contested by 12 teams, although a total of 15 have competed at some stage in its short history.
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The '''Expansion of the A-League Men''' is the ongoing process of establishing new clubs in the [[A-League Men]]. The A-League Men was established to replace the [[National Soccer League]] as the top division in the [[Australian association football league system|Australian football league system]]. It is the only professional football league in the country. Founded in 2004 with eight teams commencing competition in the [[2005–06 A-League|2005–06 season]], the league has since expanded into new markets across [[Australia]] and [[New Zealand]]. From the [[2024–25 A-League Men]] season, 13 clubs will compete in the league, after [[Auckland FC|Auckland Football Club]] was granted an expansion license.
In February 2018, officials announced that the league would expand to 12 teams for the 2019–20 season.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/ffa-announce-aleague-expansion-to-12-teams-but-clubs-are-wary-of-smokescreen-20180216-h0w8ao.html|title=FFA announce A-League expansion to 12 teams but clubs are wary of 'smokescreen'|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|date=16 February 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/football/a-league/aleague-expansion-plans-revealed-with-two-new-teams-to-join-in-201819/news-story/bc654d06b2b6e24ea013dfd84878073f | title=A-League expansion plans revealed with two new teams to join in 2018–19 | work=[[Herald Sun]] | date=5 December 2016 | access-date=28 January 2017 | last=Davutovic | first=David}}</ref> After the [[Football Australia#Board of directors|board of Football Federation Australia]] was replaced at an annual general meeting in November 2018, the organisation announced that [[Western United FC]] would join the A-League Men in the 2019–20 season and [[Macarthur FC]] would join in 2020–21.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-12-13/a-league-adds-west-melbourne-macarthur-south-west-sydney/10614156|title=A-League approves Western Melbourne, Macarthur South-West Sydney expansion bids|work=[[ABC News (Australia)|ABC News]]|date=13 December 2018}}</ref>


There is also a long term prospect of teams being added to the A-League Men from a second division that involves [[Promotion and relegation]]. Football Australia and the Association of Australian Football Clubs, a group of clubs that currently exist in the state & regional "Member Federations" have been working to implement a second division team with an eventual goal that a football pyramid that would see clubs move between the A-League Men & the second tier, and between the second tier & state leagues.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.australianfootballclubs.org.au/ |title=Home |website=australianfootballclubs.org.au}}</ref>
There is also a long term prospect of teams being added to the A-League Men from a second division that involves [[Promotion and relegation]]. Football Australia and the Association of Australian Football Clubs, a group of clubs that currently exist in the state & regional "Member Federations" have been working to implement a second division team with an eventual goal that a football pyramid that would see clubs move between the A-League Men & the second tier, and between the second tier & state leagues.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.australianfootballclubs.org.au/ |title=Home |website=australianfootballclubs.org.au}}</ref>
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| [[2023–24 A-League Men|2023–24]]
| [[2023–24 A-League Men|2023–24]]
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| 2024–25 A-League Men|2024–25
| [[2024–25 A-League Men|2024–25]]
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| 2025–26
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[[Football Australia|Football Federation Australia]] (FFA) exercised caution when forming the A-League Men in early 2004; in terms of selecting who was to be part of the new league. FFA decided upon a 'one city – one team' principle in order to protect the initial development of the foundation clubs.
[[Football Australia|Football Federation Australia]] (FFA) exercised caution when forming the A-League Men in early 2004; in terms of selecting who was to be part of the new league. FFA decided upon a 'one city – one team' principle in order to protect the initial development of the foundation clubs.


The initial eight teams selected were [[Adelaide United FC]], [[Brisbane Roar FC]] (formerly ''Queensland Roar FC''), [[Central Coast Mariners FC]], [[Melbourne Victory FC]], [[Newcastle Jets FC]], [[Perth Glory FC]], [[Sydney FC]] and [[New Zealand Knights FC]]. Of these 8 clubs, only the New Zealand Knights have failed to survive, folding after the [[2006–07 A-League|2006–07 season]].
The initial eight teams selected were [[Adelaide United FC|Adelaide United]], [[Brisbane Roar FC|Brisbane Roar]] (formerly ''Queensland Roar''), [[Central Coast Mariners FC|Central Coast Mariners]], [[Melbourne Victory FC|Melbourne Victory]], [[Newcastle Jets FC|Newcastle Jets]], [[Perth Glory FC|Perth Glory]], [[Sydney FC|Sydney]] and [[New Zealand Knights FC|New Zealand Knights]]. Of these 8 clubs, only the New Zealand Knights have failed to survive, folding after the [[2006–07 A-League|2006–07 season]].


==Expansion==
==Expansion==
{{A-League expansions map}}
{{A-League expansions map}}
Before the introduction of the A-League Men, FFA chairman [[Frank Lowy]] speculated that he hoped to expand the league into other cities, citing [[Adelaide]], [[Canberra]], [[Hobart]], [[Wollongong]], [[Coffs Harbour]], [[Geelong]], [[Bendigo]], [[Cairns]], [[Ballarat]], [[Albury-Wodonga]], [[Launceston, Tasmania|Launceston]], [[Christchurch]], [[Auckland]], [[Sunshine Coast, Queensland|Sunshine Coast]] and [[Darwin, Northern Territory|Darwin]].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.a-league.com.au/default.aspx?s=newsdisplay&id=601 | title=ASA announce several significant initiatives | publisher=[[Football Australia|Football Federation Australia]]|date=22 March 2004 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060909222618/http://a-league.com.au/default.aspx?s=newsdisplay&id=601 | archive-date=9 September 2006}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.a-league.com.au/default.aspx?s=newsdisplay&id=629 | title=A-League launch speech by FFA chairman Mr Frank Lowy AC | date=13 November 2004 | publisher=[[Football Australia|Football Federation Australia]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060912075020/http://www.a-league.com.au/default.aspx?s=newsdisplay&id=629 | archive-date=12 September 2006}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |first=Paul |last=Osbourne |title=Chief talks up Townsville |url=http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,20081770-5000940,00.html |work=[[Fox Sports (Australia)|Fox Sports]] |date=10 August 2006 |access-date=6 February 2007| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070312010117/http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,20081770-5000940,00.html| archive-date= 12 March 2007 | url-status= live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/119653,gippsland%E2%80%99s-aleague-call.aspx | title=Gippsland's A-League Call | work=[[FourFourTwo (Australia)|Australian FourFourTwo]] | date=4 January 2010 | access-date=22 December 2012 | last=Ormond | first=Aidan | archive-date=22 September 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120922144755/http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/119653,gippsland%E2%80%99s-aleague-call.aspx | url-status=dead }}</ref>
Before the introduction of the A-League Men, FFA chairman [[Frank Lowy]] speculated that he hoped to expand the league into other cities, citing [[Adelaide]], [[Canberra]], [[Hobart]], [[Wollongong]], [[Coffs Harbour]], [[Geelong]],
[[Bendigo]], [[Cairns]], [[Ballarat]], [[Albury-Wodonga]], [[Launceston, Tasmania|Launceston]], [[Christchurch]], [[Auckland]], [[Sunshine Coast, Queensland|Sunshine Coast]] and possibly [[Darwin, Northern Territory|Darwin]].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.a-league.com.au/default.aspx?s=newsdisplay&id=601 | title=ASA announce several significant initiatives | publisher=[[Football Australia|Football Federation Australia]]|date=22 March 2004 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060909222618/http://a-league.com.au/default.aspx?s=newsdisplay&id=601 | archive-date=9 September 2006}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.a-league.com.au/default.aspx?s=newsdisplay&id=629 | title=A-League launch speech by FFA chairman Mr Frank Lowy AC | date=13 November 2004 | publisher=[[Football Australia|Football Federation Australia]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060912075020/http://www.a-league.com.au/default.aspx?s=newsdisplay&id=629 | archive-date=12 September 2006}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |first=Paul |last=Osbourne |title=Chief talks up Townsville |url=http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,20081770-5000940,00.html |work=[[Fox Sports (Australia)|Fox Sports]] |date=10 August 2006 |access-date=6 February 2007| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070312010117/http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,20081770-5000940,00.html| archive-date= 12 March 2007 | url-status= live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/119653,gippsland%E2%80%99s-aleague-call.aspx | title=Gippsland's A-League Call | work=[[FourFourTwo (Australia)|Australian FourFourTwo]] | date=4 January 2010 | access-date=22 December 2012 | last=Ormond | first=Aidan}}</ref>


===[[Wellington Phoenix FC|Wellington]] (2007)===
===[[Wellington Phoenix FC|Wellington]] (2007)===
{{Main|Wellington Phoenix FC}}
{{Main|Wellington Phoenix FC}}
In late October 2006, as a result of low crowd attendance at [[North Harbour Stadium]] in [[Auckland]] and continual poor on-field performances, rumours began to circulate that the [[Football Australia|FFA]] was considering revoking the A-League licence of the only New Zealand based A-League club, [[New Zealand Knights FC]], and granting it to a new club that would enter the competition in the [[2007–08 A-League|2007–08 season]].<ref name="revokelicence">{{Cite web|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/event/story.cfm?c_id=523&objectid=10415329|work=[[The New Zealand Herald]]|title=NZ Football willing to rescue 'embarrassing' Knights|date=14 December 2006|access-date=12 October 2009}}</ref> The FFA had continued to express angst at low attendance numbers, poor on-field performance and the lack of domestically developed players. On 14 December, the FFA announced that it had revoked the competition licence held by the Knights' owners,<ref name="revokedlicence">{{Cite web|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/4/story.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=10415468|work=[[New Zealand Herald]]|title=Knights have licence revoked by football body|date=14 December 2006|access-date=12 October 2009}}</ref> and on 19 March 2007 after several delays,<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/3987779a1823.html |title=A-League deadline becomes 'a farce' |date=9 March 2007 |publisher=stuff.co.nz |access-date=12 October 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20070318152841/http://stuff.co.nz/3987779a1823.html |archive-date=18 March 2007}}</ref> [[Wellington Phoenix FC|Wellington Phoenix]] was selected as the successor to the New Zealand Knights.<ref name="wellingtondecision">{{Cite news|url=http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,21407148-5000940,00.html|title=Kiwis alive as Townsville pulls pin|date=19 March 2007|work=[[Fox Sports (Australia)]]|access-date=12 October 2009}}</ref>
In late October 2006, as a result of low crowd attendance at [[North Harbour Stadium]] in [[Auckland]] and continual poor on-field performances, rumours began to circulate that the [[Football Australia|FFA]] was considering revoking the A-League licence of the only New Zealand based A-League club, New Zealand Knights, and granting it to a new club that would enter the competition in the [[2007–08 A-League|2007–08 season]].<ref name="revokelicence">{{Cite web|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/event/story.cfm?c_id=523&objectid=10415329|work=[[The New Zealand Herald]]|title=NZ Football willing to rescue 'embarrassing' Knights|date=14 December 2006|access-date=12 October 2009}}</ref> The FFA had continued to express angst at low attendance numbers, poor on-field performance and the lack of domestically developed players.
On 14 December, the FFA announced that it had revoked the competition licence held by the Knights' owners,<ref name="revokedlicence">{{Cite web|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/4/story.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=10415468|work=[[New Zealand Herald]]|title=Knights have licence revoked by football body|date=14 December 2006|access-date=12 October 2009}}</ref> and on 19 March 2007 after several delays,<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/3987779a1823.html |title=A-League deadline becomes 'a farce' |date=9 March 2007 |publisher=stuff.co.nz |access-date=12 October 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20070318152841/http://stuff.co.nz/3987779a1823.html |archive-date=18 March 2007}}</ref> Wellington Phoenix was selected as the successor to the New Zealand Knights.<ref name="wellingtondecision">{{Cite news|url=http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,21407148-5000940,00.html|title=Kiwis alive as Townsville pulls pin|date=19 March 2007|work=[[Fox Sports (Australia)]]|access-date=12 October 2009}}</ref>


===[[Gold Coast United FC|Gold Coast]] and [[North Queensland Fury FC|Townsville]] (2009)===
===[[Gold Coast United FC|Gold Coast]] and [[North Queensland Fury FC|Townsville]] (2009)===
{{Main|Gold Coast United FC|North Queensland Fury FC}}
{{Main|Gold Coast United FC|North Queensland Fury FC}}
In 2009, the league expanded in [[Gold Coast, Queensland|Gold Coast]] with the new club [[Gold Coast United FC]] and in [[Townsville]] with the club [[North Queensland Fury FC]]. Expansion into these new regions was seen as critical to the success of the 2022 Australian FIFA World Cup bid. In 2011, after the failed bid, North Queensland Fury was removed from the league due to financial instability. In 2012 Fury re-formed to participate in the [[National Premier League Queensland]].<ref>{{cite web|last1=Butterworth |first1=Liam |title=Fury earns spot in Australian Premier League |url=http://www.townsvillebulletin.com.au/article/2012/10/03/365141_sport.html |website=Townsville Bulletin |access-date=2 February 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130927193248/http://www.townsvillebulletin.com.au/article/2012/10/03/365141_sport.html |archive-date=27 September 2013 }}</ref> In 2012 the FFA revoked [[Clive Palmer (businessman)|Clive Palmer's]] Gold Coast United A-League licence.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/soccer/a-league-revokes-gold-coast-licence/story-e6frfg8x-1226285137642 |title=A-League revokes Gold Coast licence |newspaper=Herald Sun |date=29 February 2012 |location=Melbourne}}</ref>
In 2009, the league expanded in [[Gold Coast, Queensland|Gold Coast]] with the new club Gold Coast United and in [[Townsville]] with the club North Queensland Fury. Expansion into these new regions was seen as critical to the success of the 2022 Australian FIFA World Cup bid. In 2011, after the failed bid, North Queensland Fury was removed from the league due to financial instability. In 2012 Fury re-formed to participate in the [[National Premier League Queensland]].<ref>{{cite web|last1=Butterworth |first1=Liam |title=Fury earns spot in Australian Premier League |url=http://www.townsvillebulletin.com.au/article/2012/10/03/365141_sport.html |website=Townsville Bulletin |access-date=2 February 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130927193248/http://www.townsvillebulletin.com.au/article/2012/10/03/365141_sport.html |archive-date=27 September 2013 }}</ref> In 2012, the FFA revoked [[Clive Palmer (businessman)|Clive Palmer's]] Gold Coast United A-League licence.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/soccer/a-league-revokes-gold-coast-licence/story-e6frfg8x-1226285137642 |title=A-League revokes Gold Coast licence |newspaper=Herald Sun |date=29 February 2012 |location=Melbourne}}</ref>


===[[Melbourne City FC|Melbourne Heart/City]] (2010)===
===[[Melbourne City FC|Melbourne Heart]] (2010)===
{{Main|Melbourne City FC}}
{{Main|Melbourne City FC}}
After [[Melbourne Victory FC]] announced they would not be playing at the new [[Melbourne Rectangular Stadium]] unless it had a capacity of at least 30,000, the government suggested a second Melbourne team would play there. A consortium of investors made it clear that an operating budget of 5 to 6 million dollars per annum was feasible and a letter of interest from the soccer club had been sent to the FFA. In June 2008, it was revealed that three separate consortiums were bidding for second Melbourne franchise licence.<ref name="expansion3melbteams">{{Cite news|url=http://www.theage.com.au/news/soccer/three-melbourne-teams-hoping-to-join-aleague/2008/06/03/1212258825383.html|title=Three Melbourne teams hoping to join A-League|date=4 June 2008|work=[[The Age]]|access-date=12 October 2009}}</ref> In September 2008, a bid led by Victorian businessman Peter Sidwell and operating under the working title [[Melbourne Heart Syndicate]] received exclusive negotiating rights an A-League licence. Sidwell's group was awarded the licence to join the [[2010–11 A-League|2010–11 season]] on 12 June 2009.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,25629397-5000940,00.html?from=public_rss|title=Melbourne awarded licence for second A-League team|last=Reed|first=Ron|date=13 June 2009|work=[[Fox Sports (Australia)]]|access-date=12 October 2009}}</ref> The new club was named '''Melbourne Heart FC''', though prior to the [[2014–15 A-League|2014–15 season]] it was acquired by the [[City Football Group]] and has since been known as [[Melbourne City FC]].
After Melbourne Victory announced they would not be playing at the new [[Melbourne Rectangular Stadium]] unless it had a capacity of at least 30,000, the [[Victoria State Government|Victorian Government]] suggested a second Melbourne team would play there. A consortium of investors made it clear that an operating budget of 5 to 6 million dollars per annum was feasible and a letter of interest from the football club had been sent to the FFA.
In June 2008, it was revealed that three separate consortiums were bidding for second Melbourne franchise licence.<ref name="expansion3melbteams">{{Cite news|url=http://www.theage.com.au/news/soccer/three-melbourne-teams-hoping-to-join-aleague/2008/06/03/1212258825383.html|title=Three Melbourne teams hoping to join A-League|date=4 June 2008|work=[[The Age]]|access-date=12 October 2009}}</ref> In September, a bid led by Victorian businessman Peter Sidwell, operating under the working title Melbourne Heart Syndicate, received exclusive negotiating rights for an A-League licence. Sidwell's group was awarded the licence to join the [[2010–11 A-League|2010–11 season]] on 12 June 2009.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,25629397-5000940,00.html?from=public_rss|title=Melbourne awarded licence for second A-League team|last=Reed|first=Ron|date=13 June 2009|work=[[Fox Sports (Australia)]]|access-date=12 October 2009}}</ref> The new club was named '''Melbourne Heart Football Club'''. Prior to the start of the [[2014–15 A-League|2014–15 season]], the club was acquired by the [[City Football Group]], subsequently being rebranded as [[Melbourne City FC|Melbourne City]].


===[[Sydney Rovers FC|Sydney Rovers]] (2010)===
===[[Sydney Rovers FC|Sydney Rovers]] (2010)===
{{Main|Sydney Rovers FC}}
{{Main|Sydney Rovers FC}}
The club was planned to be the 12th official franchise in the A-League, and was supposed to join the league in the 2011–12 season. Ian Rowden's group was awarded the licence to join the A-League's 2011–12 season on 29 September 2009. However the team folded before playing one game as on 10 December 2010 the licence was formally withdrawn by the FFA.
The club was intended to be the 12th official franchise in the A-League, joining the league in the [[2011–12 A-League|2011–12 season]]. Ian Rowden's group was awarded the licence on 29 September 2009. However, the team folded before playing a single game, and on 10 December 2010, the licence was formally withdrawn by the FFA.


===[[Western Sydney Wanderers FC|Western Sydney]] (2012)===
===[[Western Sydney Wanderers FC|Western Sydney]] (2012)===
{{Main|Western Sydney Wanderers FC}}
{{Main|Western Sydney Wanderers FC}}
After the scrapping of [[Sydney Rovers FC]] in 2010, the FFA approached the Greater Western Sydney Football Group, who were one of the losing groups in the bid for the second expansion, in order to assess whether they would be ready to enter the competition in the [[2012–13 A-League|2012–13 season]]. The team was to be based at [[Stadium Australia]], at [[Homebush]] and named "The Wanderers". After consultation the idea was dropped. On 4 April 2012, [[Football Australia|FFA]] CEO [[Ben Buckley]] announced the introduction of a "New Sydney Club" ([[Western Sydney Wanderers FC]]) for the 2012–13 season with the assistance of an $8 million federal grant.<ref>{{cite web|title=Western Sydney confirmed for A-League in 2012–13|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-04-04/a-league-to-western-sydney-in-2012-13/3932722|publisher=ABC|date=5 April 2012|access-date=4 April 2012}}</ref> The club was initially owned by the FFA after failing to find a backer but was subsequently sold to a consortium of businessmen led by Paul Lederer in June 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-05-29/ffa-confirms-sale-of-western-sydney-wanderers/5486292 |title=Western Sydney Wanderers sold to consortium of businessmen headed by Primo's Paul Lederer|publisher=ABC|date=29 May 2014|access-date=4 August 2017}}</ref>
After the scrapping of Sydney Rovers in 2010, the FFA approached the Greater Western Sydney Football Group, one of the unsuccessful bidders in the second expansion round, to assess their readiness to enter the competition in the [[2012–13 A-League|2012–13 season]]. The proposed team, based at [[Stadium Australia]] in [[Homebush, New South Wales|Homebush]] and named "The Wanderers," was considered. However, after consultations, the idea was ultimately abandoned.

On 4 April 2012, FFA CEO [[Ben Buckley]] announced the introduction of a new Sydney club, [[Western Sydney Wanderers FC|Western Sydney Wanderers]], for the 2012–13 season, supported by an $8 million federal grant.<ref>{{cite web |date=5 April 2012 |title=Western Sydney confirmed for A-League in 2012–13 |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-04-04/a-league-to-western-sydney-in-2012-13/3932722 |access-date=4 April 2012 |publisher=ABC}}</ref> Initially owned by the FFA due to the lack of a backer, the club was later sold to a consortium of businessmen led by Paul Lederer in June 2014.<ref>{{cite web |date=29 May 2014 |title=Western Sydney Wanderers sold to consortium of businessmen headed by Primo's Paul Lederer |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-05-29/ffa-confirms-sale-of-western-sydney-wanderers/5486292 |access-date=4 August 2017 |publisher=ABC}}</ref>


===[[Western United FC|Western United]] and [[Macarthur FC|Macarthur]] (2019 and 2020)===
===[[Western United FC|Western United]] and [[Macarthur FC|Macarthur]] (2019 and 2020)===
{{Main|Western United FC|Macarthur FC}}
{{Main|Western United FC|Macarthur FC}}
In November 2016, A-League chief Greg O'Rourke gave a timetable for the possible addition of two new teams in the [[2018–19 A-League|2018–19 competition]]. Bids were explored by several clubs or consortia, including from Perth, Brisbane, Southern Sydney, Sunshine Coast, Hobart, Auckland, South East Melbourne, South Melbourne, Canberra and Wollongong.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://au.sports.yahoo.com/football/a/33287497/a-league-expansion-bids-line-up/#page1|title=A-League expansion bids line up|author=Ben McKay and Vince Rugari|access-date=2016-12-13}}</ref> The FFA later confirmed that two clubs would be added to the league for the 2019–20 season.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.a-league.com.au/news/ffa-expressions-of-interest-aleague-expansion-plans|title=FFA calls for Expressions of Interest for new Hyundai A-League club licences|website=Hyundai A-League|language=en|access-date=2018-05-24}}</ref> Initially up to 15 bids were submitted to the FFA, though by mid-2018 the league had cut that number down to 10.<ref name=15to10>{{cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-06-29/tasmania-fails-to-make-a-league-expansion-shortlist/9924928|title=Tasmania's hopes of featuring in an expanded A-League crushed as bid gets struck off shortlist|work=ABC News|date=29 June 2018}}</ref> By the end of August 2018, the FFA had accepted bids from eight consortiums, representing the following locations; South West Sydney Macarthur (Sydney), Southern Expansion (Sydney region), [[Wollongong Wolves]], Team 11 (South-East Melbourne), [[South Melbourne FC]], [[Western Melbourne FC|Western Melbourne Group]], Ipswich (Queensland), Canberra & Capital Region.<ref name=final8>[https://www.a-league.com.au/news/ffa-receives-eight-final-bids-hyundai-a-league-expansion|title=FFA receives eight final bids for Hyundai A-League Expansion].{{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200308205143/https://www.a-league.com.au/news/ffa-receives-eight-final-bids-hyundai-a-league-expansion|title=FFA receives eight final bids for Hyundai A-League Expansion|date=8 March 2020}} on 8 March 2020. Retrieved 16 September 2023.</ref> In October 2018 this group was whittled down further to six bids, with Wollongong and Ipswich eliminated from contention.<ref name=Oct2018Update>{{cite web|url=https://www.a-league.com.au/news/update-hyundai-a-league-expansion|title=Update on Hyundai A-League expansion|work=Football Federation Australia|date=17 October 2018}}</ref>
In November 2016, A-League chief Greg O'Rourke outlined a timetable for the possible addition of two new teams for the [[2018–19 A-League|2018–19 season]]. Bids were explored by several clubs and consortia, including those from Perth, Brisbane, Southern Sydney, Sunshine Coast, Hobart, Auckland, South East Melbourne, South Melbourne, Canberra, and Wollongong.<ref>{{Cite web |author=Ben McKay and Vince Rugari |title=A-League expansion bids line up |url=https://au.sports.yahoo.com/football/a/33287497/a-league-expansion-bids-line-up/#page1 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161221000743/https://au.sports.yahoo.com/football/a/33287497/a-league-expansion-bids-line-up/#page1 |archive-date=21 December 2016 |access-date=2016-12-13}}</ref> The FFA later confirmed that two clubs would be added to the league for the [[2019–20 A-League|2019–20 season]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=FFA calls for Expressions of Interest for new Hyundai A-League club licences |url=https://www.a-league.com.au/news/ffa-expressions-of-interest-aleague-expansion-plans |access-date=2018-05-24 |website=Hyundai A-League |language=en}}</ref> Initially, up to 15 bids were submitted, but by mid-2018, the number was reduced to 10.<ref name="15to10">{{cite web |date=29 June 2018 |title=Tasmania's hopes of featuring in an expanded A-League crushed as bid gets struck off shortlist |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-06-29/tasmania-fails-to-make-a-league-expansion-shortlist/9924928 |work=ABC News}}</ref> By the end of August 2018, the FFA had accepted bids from eight consortiums representing the following locations: South West Sydney Macarthur, Southern Expansion (Sydney), [[Wollongong Wolves FC|Wollongong Wolves]], Team 11 (South-East Melbourne), [[South Melbourne FC|South Melbourne]], Western Melbourne Group, Ipswich (Queensland), and Canberra.<ref name="final8">[https://www.a-league.com.au/news/ffa-receives-eight-final-bids-hyundai-a-league-expansion%7Ctitle=FFA receives eight final bids for Hyundai A-League Expansion].{{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200308205143/https://www.a-league.com.au/news/ffa-receives-eight-final-bids-hyundai-a-league-expansion|title=FFA receives eight final bids for Hyundai A-League Expansion|date=8 March 2020}} on 8 March 2020. Retrieved 16 September 2023.</ref> In October 2018, this group was narrowed down further to just six bids, with Wollongong and Ipswich eliminated from contention.<ref name="Oct2018Update">{{cite web |date=17 October 2018 |title=Update on Hyundai A-League expansion |url=https://www.a-league.com.au/news/update-hyundai-a-league-expansion |work=Football Federation Australia}}</ref>


In December 2018, the FFA announced they accepted the bid of [[Western Melbourne FC|Western United]] who joined the league in the [[2019–20 A-League|2019–20 season]], playing at [[Kardinia Park (stadium)|Kardinia Park]] in [[Geelong]] for their first three seasons while [[Wyndham City Stadium]] is being constructed in [[Tarneit]]. The second bid accepted was that of [[Macarthur FC]], who joined the league in the [[2020–21 A-League|2020–21 season]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/dec/13/ffa-settle-on-staggered-a-league-expansion-over-next-two-years|title=FFA settle on staggered A-League expansion over next two years|first=Mike|last=Hytner|newspaper=[[The Guardian]]|date=13 December 2018}}</ref>
In December 2018, the FFA announced the acceptance of [[Western United FC|Western United]]'s bid, with the team joining the league in the 2019–20 season and playing at [[Kardinia Park (stadium)|Kardinia Park]] in [[Geelong]] for their first three seasons while [[Wyndham City Stadium]] is constructed in [[Tarneit, Victoria|Tarneit]]. The second accepted bid was from [[Macarthur FC|Macarthur]], who joined the league in the [[2020–21 A-League|2020–21 season]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Hytner |first=Mike |date=13 December 2018 |title=FFA settle on staggered A-League expansion over next two years |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/dec/13/ffa-settle-on-staggered-a-league-expansion-over-next-two-years |newspaper=[[The Guardian]]}}</ref>


===Canberra and Auckland (2024) ===
===[[Auckland FC|Auckland]] and [[Canberra A-League expansion bids|Canberra]] (2024) ===
In March 2023, the [[Australian Professional Leagues]] (APL; who has since taken over administration and ownership of the A-League Men from [[Football Australia]], previously known as FFA), announced that the next two expansion clubs would be based in Canberra and Auckland.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-03-14 |title=A-Leagues set to expand to Canberra and Auckland for 2024-25 season |language=en-AU |work=ABC News |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-03-15/a-leagues-canberra-auckland-club-expansion-2024-25-season/102093336 |access-date=2023-03-14}}</ref> This expansion will increase the number of teams to 14 from the 2024–25 season and introduce a second New Zealand team. The APL also flagged a further two teams to be added for future seasons.
In March 2023, the [[Australian Professional Leagues]] (APL), which has since taken over administration and ownership of the A-League from [[Football Australia]] (formerly known as the FFA), announced that the next two expansion clubs would be based in [[Canberra]] and [[Auckland]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-03-14 |title=A-Leagues set to expand to Canberra and Auckland for 2024-25 season |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-03-15/a-leagues-canberra-auckland-club-expansion-2024-25-season/102093336 |access-date=2023-03-14 |work=ABC News |language=en-AU}}</ref>


In October 2023, the APL confirmed that the preferred bidder as owner of the Auckland licence is to be [[Bill Foley (businessman)|Bill Foley]], owner of [[Premier League]] club [[AFC Bournemouth]], subject to regulatory approval.<ref>{{Cite web |last=tomsmithies |date=2023-10-10 |title=Premier League owner confirmed as preferred bidder for A-Leagues expansion licence in Auckland |url=https://aleagues.com.au/news/aleagues-expansion-auckland-preferred-bidder-black-knight-bill-foley-bournemouth/ |access-date=2023-10-10 |website=A-Leagues |language=en-AU}}</ref> The licence includes both men's and women's teams, to enter the competition from the 2024–25 season.
In October, the APL confirmed that it intended to award the Auckland license to the owner of [[Premier League]] club [[AFC Bournemouth]], [[Bill Foley (businessman)|Bill Foley]], subject to regulatory approval.<ref>{{Cite web |last=tomsmithies |date=2023-10-10 |title=Premier League owner confirmed as preferred bidder for A-Leagues expansion licence in Auckland |url=https://aleagues.com.au/news/aleagues-expansion-auckland-preferred-bidder-black-knight-bill-foley-bournemouth/ |access-date=2023-10-10 |website=A-Leagues |language=en-AU}}</ref> The following month, it was confirmed that the license had been awarded to Foley, with the men's side to join the A-League Men from the [[2024–25 A-League Men|2024–25 season]], whilst a women's side will join the A-League Women the following season.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-11-21 |title=Auckland to enter A-Leagues from next season as US billionaire adds another sporting franchise |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-11-21/auckland-awarded-a-leagues-licences-backed-by-bill-foley/103132132 |access-date=2023-11-21 |work=ABC News |language=en-AU}}</ref>


In November 2023, the Auckland licence was officially awarded to Bill Foley for commencement in the A-League Men from 2024–25 and A-League Women the season following.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-11-21 |title=Auckland to enter A-Leagues from next season as US billionaire adds another sporting franchise |language=en-AU |work=ABC News |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-11-21/auckland-awarded-a-leagues-licences-backed-by-bill-foley/103132132 |access-date=2023-11-21}}</ref>
On 14 March 2024, [[Auckland FC|Auckland]] were officially launched, with their name, logo, identity and nickname, the Black Knights, revealed.<ref>{{Cite news|date=14 March 2024|title=Historic day for A-Leagues as new Auckland team reveal name, logo and inaugural jersey|work=aleagues.com.au|url=https://aleagues.com.au/news/a-league-auckland-fc-news-name-jersey-colours/}}</ref>


== Bidding process in 2004 ==
== Bidding process in 2004 ==


=== Brisbane Strikers ===
=== Brisbane Strikers ===
Queensland Strikers were one of the twelve teams that bid for the A-League, backed by the NSL team [[Brisbane Strikers FC|Brisbane Strikers]].<ref name=":1">{{Cite news |date=2004-07-20 |title=ASA releases details of 12 bids for new league |language=en-AU |work=ABC News |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2004-07-20/asa-releases-details-of-12-bids-for-new-league/2013002 |access-date=2023-11-23}}</ref> They were beaten by the other Brisbane bid, the [[Queensland Lions FC|Queensland Lions]] (Now [[Brisbane Roar FC|Brisbane Roar]]). Many fans of the Strikers disagreed with this decision and thought that supporting the Lions would be uncomfortable.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2004-11-24 |title=Strikers News 2005 |url=https://www.geocities.ws/strikerfan/News/0105-news.htm |access-date=2023-11-23 |language=en-AU}}</ref>
Queensland Strikers were one of the twelve teams that bid for the A-League, backed by the NSL team [[Brisbane Strikers FC|Brisbane Strikers]].<ref name=":1">{{Cite news |date=2004-07-20 |title=ASA releases details of 12 bids for new league |language=en-AU |work=ABC News |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2004-07-20/asa-releases-details-of-12-bids-for-new-league/2013002 |access-date=2023-11-23}}</ref> They were beaten by the other Brisbane bid, the [[Queensland Lions FC|Queensland Lions]] (now Brisbane Roar). Many fans of the Strikers disagreed with this decision and thought that supporting the Lions would be uncomfortable.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2004-11-24 |title=Strikers News 2005 |url=https://www.geocities.ws/strikerfan/News/0105-news.htm |access-date=2023-11-23 |language=en-AU}}</ref>


=== Marconi Stallions ===
=== Marconi Stallions ===
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=== Melbourne United ===
=== Melbourne United ===
A bid called Melbourne United, led by Cycam Pty Ltd. The bid planned on drawing from the NSL team [[Melbourne Knights FC|Melbourne Knights]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2003-12-18 |title=Knights withdraw from NSL |url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/knights-withdraw-from-nsl-20031219-gdi0cc.html |access-date=2023-11-23 |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |language=en}}</ref>
An additional Melbourne-based bid was submitted under the name of Melbourne United, with plans to draw from the [[Melbourne Knights FC|Melbourne Knights]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2003-12-18 |title=Knights withdraw from NSL |url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/knights-withdraw-from-nsl-20031219-gdi0cc.html |access-date=2023-11-23 |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |language=en}}</ref>


=== South Melbourne ===
=== South Melbourne ===
When the A-League started, [[South Melbourne FC|South Melbourne]] announced that it had ambitions to join the league and that they deserved to be in the league.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Media |first=SMFC |date=2004-11-23 |title=Passion, Your Local Footy • - SMFC |url=https://www.smfc.com.au/W80j1 |access-date=2023-11-23 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Media |first=SMFC |date=2005-04-04 |title=One year on SMFC still needs your support • - SMFC |url=https://www.smfc.com.au/tFBKE |access-date=2023-11-23 |language=en-US}}</ref> They were seen as top contenders for the new league.<ref name=":0" />
When the A-League started, South Melbourne announced that it had ambitions to join the league and that they deserved to be in the league.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Media |first=SMFC |date=2004-11-23 |title=Passion, Your Local Footy • - SMFC |url=https://www.smfc.com.au/W80j1 |access-date=2023-11-23 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Media |first=SMFC |date=2005-04-04 |title=One year on SMFC still needs your support • - SMFC |url=https://www.smfc.com.au/tFBKE |access-date=2023-11-23 |language=en-US}}</ref> They were seen as top contenders for the new league.<ref name=":0" />


=== Sydney Blues ===
=== Sydney Blues ===
Sydney Blues was a bid with a consortium led by [[Nick Politis|Nick Poltis]] and the [[Sydney Roosters]], who formerly bankrolled [[Sydney Olympic FC|Sydney Olympic]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sydney |first=Michael Cockerill |date=2007-02-07 |title=LaPaglia seeks partner in bid for Sydney FC |url=https://www.theage.com.au/sport/soccer/lapaglia-seeks-partner-in-bid-for-sydney-fc-20070207-ge460k.html |access-date=2023-11-23 |website=The Age |language=en}}</ref> Harry Kewell also supported the bid.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2004-09-09 |title=Kewell major player behind Sydney team: report |url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/kewell-major-player-behind-sydney-team-report-20040909-gdjpgw.html |access-date=2023-11-23 |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |language=en}}</ref>
Sydney Blues was a bid by consortium led by [[Nick Politis|Nick Poltis]] and the [[Sydney Roosters]], who formerly bankrolled [[Sydney Olympic FC|Sydney Olympic]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sydney |first=Michael Cockerill |date=2007-02-07 |title=LaPaglia seeks partner in bid for Sydney FC |url=https://www.theage.com.au/sport/soccer/lapaglia-seeks-partner-in-bid-for-sydney-fc-20070207-ge460k.html |access-date=2023-11-23 |website=The Age |language=en}}</ref> Harry Kewell also supported the bid.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2004-09-09 |title=Kewell major player behind Sydney team: report |url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/kewell-major-player-behind-sydney-team-report-20040909-gdjpgw.html |access-date=2023-11-23 |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |language=en}}</ref>


=== Victorian Soccer Federation ===
=== Victorian Soccer Federation ===
One of the 12 bids the Australian Soccer Association, now [[Football Australia]], was revealed to be backed by the Victorian Soccer Federation.<ref name=":1" /> The bid had ties with [[AC Milan]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=MELBOURNE MILAN SISTER CITY RELATIONSHIP - UPDATE |url=https://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/about-council/committees-meetings/meeting-archive/MeetingAgendaItemAttachments/408/6466/MBDaME_54_20040615.pdf |access-date=2023-11-23}}</ref>
One of the 12 bids the Australian Soccer Association received was revealed to be backed by the Victorian Soccer Federation (now [[Football Victoria]]).<ref name=":1" /> The bid had ties with [[AC Milan]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=MELBOURNE MILAN SISTER CITY RELATIONSHIP - UPDATE |url=https://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/about-council/committees-meetings/meeting-archive/MeetingAgendaItemAttachments/408/6466/MBDaME_54_20040615.pdf |access-date=2023-11-23}}</ref>


=== Wollongong Wolves ===
=== Wollongong Wolves ===
[[Wollongong Wolves FC|Wollongong Wolves]] were amongst the teams considered for the new national league.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2004-02-29 |title=Wolves end season with win over Knights |language=en-AU |work=ABC News |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2004-03-01/wolves-end-season-with-win-over-knights/144870 |access-date=2023-11-23}}</ref>
Wollongong Wolves were amongst the teams considered for the new national league.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2004-02-29 |title=Wolves end season with win over Knights |language=en-AU |work=ABC News |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2004-03-01/wolves-end-season-with-win-over-knights/144870 |access-date=2023-11-23}}</ref>


== Bidding process in 2008 ==
== Bidding process in 2008 ==
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=== Canberra ===
=== Canberra ===
{{Further|Canberra A-League Bid}}
{{Further|Canberra A-League Bid}}
A-League4Canberra was a bid led by TransACT CEO Ivan Slavich with notable foundation members including former Socceroos [[Carl Valeri]] and [[Ned Zelic]].<ref>{{cite magazine |date=8 July 2008 |title=No Canberra club 'is crazy' |url=http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/79973,no-canberra-club-is-crazy.aspx |magazine=[[FourFourTwo (Australia)]] |access-date=12 October 2009}}</ref> The bid planned to play games in [[Canberra Stadium]] but following low crowds at A-League games held there, doubts surfaced about the bid.<ref>http://www.a-league4canberra.com.au/site/news.php?id=74 {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090316085124/http://www.a-league4canberra.com.au/site/news.php?id=74|date=16 March 2009}}.</ref>
A-League4Canberra was a bid led by [[TransACT]] CEO Ivan Slavich, with notable foundation members including former Socceroos [[Carl Valeri]] and [[Ned Zelic]].<ref>{{cite magazine |date=8 July 2008 |title=No Canberra club 'is crazy' |url=http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/79973,no-canberra-club-is-crazy.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080824131229/http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/79973,no-canberra-club-is-crazy.aspx |archive-date=24 August 2008 |access-date=12 October 2009 |magazine=[[FourFourTwo (Australia)]]}}</ref> The bid aimed to play games at [[Canberra Stadium]]. However, following low attendance at A-League games held there, doubts about the viability of the bid emerged.<ref>http://www.a-league4canberra.com.au/site/news.php?id=74 {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090316085124/http://www.a-league4canberra.com.au/site/news.php?id=74|date=16 March 2009}}.</ref>

On 10 May 2012, with the FFA announcing that A-League expansion beyond ten teams was on hold until 2015 in the wake of the establishment of a West Sydney-based side in time for the 2012–2013 season, A-League4Canberra suspended its efforts to secure a team for the Australian capital city, and the bid group was wound up.<ref>{{Cite news |date=10 May 2012 |title=Canberra Give in As FFA Pull Up the Ladder |url=http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/239462,canberra-give-in-as-ffa-pull-up-the-ladder.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120517024430/http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/239462,canberra-give-in-as-ffa-pull-up-the-ladder.aspx |archive-date=17 May 2012 |access-date=16 May 2012 |work=[[FourFourTwo (Australia)]]}}</ref> There was no connection to [[Capital Football]] owned and operated W-League club [[Canberra United FC|Canberra United]].


=== Gold Coast Galaxy ===
=== Gold Coast Galaxy ===
The other Gold Coast bid backed by Fred Taplin, failed to beat out Clive Palmer's [[Gold Coast United FC|Gold Coast United]] bid.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Galaxy Bid Now In A Black Hole |url=https://www.ftbl.com.au/news/galaxy-bid-now-in-a-black-hole-112965 |access-date=2023-11-23 |website=FTBL}}</ref> The bid also had tied to [[Major League Soccer|MLS]] team [[LA Galaxy]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2009-02-10 |title=Billionaire eclipses Galaxy A-League bid - Local Sport News - Gold Coast, QLD, Australia |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090210041938/http://www.goldcoast.com.au/article/2008/05/30/11822_gold-coast-sport.html |access-date=2023-11-23 |website=web.archive.org}}</ref>
The other Gold Coast bid backed by Fred Taplin, failed to beat out Clive Palmer's Gold Coast United bid.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Galaxy Bid Now In A Black Hole |url=https://www.ftbl.com.au/news/galaxy-bid-now-in-a-black-hole-112965 |access-date=2023-11-23 |website=FTBL}}</ref> The bid also had ties to [[Major League Soccer|MLS]] team [[LA Galaxy]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2009-02-10 |title=Billionaire eclipses Galaxy A-League bid - Local Sport News - Gold Coast, QLD, Australia |url=http://www.goldcoast.com.au/article/2008/05/30/11822_gold-coast-sport.html |access-date=2023-11-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090210041938/http://www.goldcoast.com.au/article/2008/05/30/11822_gold-coast-sport.html |archive-date=10 February 2009 }}</ref>


=== Melbourne City ===
=== Melbourne City ===
Not to be confused with current A-League side [[Melbourne City FC|Melbourne City]], Melbourne based bid, led by business man Colin De Lutis, who claimed the support of many other Melbourne based businessmen including [[Collingwood Football Club|Collingwood]] President [[Eddie McGuire]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2008-02-29 |title=Second Melbourne team bid |url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/football/a-league/second-melbourne-team-bid/news-story/8d0c69230a36d45e359cbc17d0799def |access-date=2023-11-23 |website=Fox Sports |language=en}}</ref><ref name="expansion3melbteams" /> Melbourne Victory shareholder Joe Mirabella was also associated with the bid.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lynch |first=Michael |date=2008-05-01 |title=A-League set for Melbourne derby |url=https://www.theage.com.au/sport/soccer/a-league-set-for-melbourne-derby-20080501-ge70y2.html |access-date=2023-11-23 |website=The Age |language=en}}</ref>
Not to be confused with the current A-League side Melbourne City, a Melbourne-based bid under the name of Melbourne City was led by businessman Colin De Lutis. He claimed support from several prominent Melbourne businessmen, including [[Collingwood Football Club|Collingwood]] President [[Eddie McGuire]]. Melbourne Victory shareholder Joe Mirabella was also associated with the bid.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lynch |first=Michael |date=2008-05-01 |title=A-League set for Melbourne derby |url=https://www.theage.com.au/sport/soccer/a-league-set-for-melbourne-derby-20080501-ge70y2.html |access-date=2023-11-23 |website=The Age |language=en}}</ref>


=== Northern Thunder ===
=== Northern Thunder ===
The first bid for the Townsville A-League license was backed by Melissa Fischer and went under the name Northern Thunder.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2007-11-20 |title=Thunder head expansion race |url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/football/a-league/thunder-head-expansion-race/news-story/cb75724910ed8ecc23a00b328c066796 |access-date=2023-11-23 |website=Fox Sports |language=en}}</ref> However, the bid did not raise the capital to be granted the license.<ref>{{Cite web |title=NORTHERN THUNDER......Will not be in A-League 08/9 [RUMOUR] |url=https://www.ftbl.com.au/news/northern-thunderwill-not-be-in-a-league-089-rumour-104661 |access-date=2023-11-23 |website=FTBL}}</ref>
The first bid for the Townsville A-League license was backed by Melissa Fischer and went under the name Northern Thunder.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2007-11-20 |title=Thunder head expansion race |url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/football/a-league/thunder-head-expansion-race/news-story/cb75724910ed8ecc23a00b328c066796 |access-date=2023-11-23 |website=Fox Sports |language=en}}</ref> However, the bid did not raise the capital needed to be granted the license.<ref>{{Cite web |title=NORTHERN THUNDER......Will not be in A-League 08/9 [RUMOUR] |url=https://www.ftbl.com.au/news/northern-thunderwill-not-be-in-a-league-089-rumour-104661 |access-date=2023-11-23 |website=FTBL}}</ref>


=== Penrith ===
=== Penrith ===
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=== South Coast Football ===
=== South Coast Football ===
{{Further|South Coast A-League Bid}}
{{Further|South Coast A-League Bid}}
In 2008, South Coast Football, led by Eddy De Gabriele, and inspired by Wollongong City Council launched a bid to join the A-League.<ref>{{cite news |last=Cockerill |first=Michael |date=8 November 2007 |title=Illawarra unites for the A-League cause |newspaper=The Sydney Morning Herald |publisher=Fairfax Digital |url=http://www.smh.com.au/news/a-league/illawarra-unites-for-the-aleague-cause/2007/11/07/1194329317921.html}}</ref><ref>[http://www.southcoastfootball.com.au southcoastfootball.com.au] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080928192143/http://www.southcoastfootball.com.au/|date=28 September 2008}}</ref> Two former Socceroos [[Scott Chipperfield]] and [[Tim Cahill]] both backed the bid, hoping to establish a soccer academy in the region.<ref name=":2" /> [[Bruce Gordon (businessman)|Bruce Gordon]], Australia's 14th wealthiest person was rumoured to back the bid.<ref name=":3" />
In 2008, South Coast Football, led by Eddy De Gabriele and inspired by Wollongong City Council, launched a bid to join the A-League.<ref>{{cite news |last=Cockerill |first=Michael |date=8 November 2007 |title=Illawarra unites for the A-League cause |url=http://www.smh.com.au/news/a-league/illawarra-unites-for-the-aleague-cause/2007/11/07/1194329317921.html |newspaper=The Sydney Morning Herald |publisher=Fairfax Digital}}</ref><ref>[http://www.southcoastfootball.com.au southcoastfootball.com.au] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080928192143/http://www.southcoastfootball.com.au/|date=28 September 2008}}</ref> Former Socceroos [[Scott Chipperfield]] and [[Tim Cahill]] both supported the bid, with plans to establish a football academy in the region.<ref name=":2">{{Cite news |last=Cockerill |first=Michael |date=19 May 2008 |title=Wollongong bid scores Cahill as mascot |url=https://www.smh.com.au/news/a-league/wollongong-bid-scores-cahill-as-mascot/2008/05/18/1211049064801.html |access-date=12 October 2009 |work=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]]}}</ref> Additionally, [[Bruce Gordon (businessman)|Bruce Gordon]], Australia's 14th wealthiest person, was rumoured to have backed the bid.<ref name=":3">{{Cite news |last=Cockerill |first=Michael |date=9 August 2006 |title=WIN-win situation to get Wollongong into A-League |url=https://www.smh.com.au/news/afl/winwin-situation/2006/08/08/1154802888135.html |access-date=12 October 2009 |work=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]]}}</ref>


=== Southern Cross FC ===
=== Southern Cross ===
Formed by former [[South Melbourne FC|South Melbourne]] president, Jim Marinos, but did not have ties to South Melbourne. The team also planned to have a base out of the [[Casey Fields]], similar to the Melbourne Heart bid.<ref name="expansion3melbteams" />
Formed by former [[South Melbourne FC|South Melbourne]] president Jim Marinos, Southern Cross planned to base their operations out of Casey Fields, similar to the Melbourne Heart bid.<ref name="expansion3melbteams" />


=== Tasmania United ===
=== Tasmania United ===
{{Further|Tasmanian A-League Bid}}
{{Further|Tasmanian A-League Bid}}
A taskforce started by [[Football Tasmania]], led by businessman John McGirr was started to find funding for an A-League team in [[Tasmania]].<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":5" /> The name Tasmania United was registered by the taskforce and it was suggested that the team play games in both [[Hobart]] and [[Launceston, Tasmania|Launceston]] alongside joining the league in the 2011/12 season.<ref name=":6" /><ref name=":7" /><ref name=":8" /> Sheik Mohammed Hussein Ali Al Amoudi was also linked with the bid.<ref name=":9" />
A taskforce started by [[Football Tasmania]], led by businessman John McGirr was started to find funding for an A-League team in [[Tasmania]].<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":5" /> The name Tasmania United was registered by the taskforce and it was suggested that the team play games in both [[Hobart]] and [[Launceston, Tasmania|Launceston]] alongside joining the league in the 2011/12 season.<ref name=":6" /><ref name=":7" /><ref name=":8" /> Sheik Mohammed Hussein Ali Al Amoudi was also linked with the bid.<ref name=":9" /> Andrew Wilkie also supported building a stadium at Macquaire Point before the [[Macquarie Point Stadium|AFL stadium]] was set built there.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-02-07 |title=Andrew Wilkie's stance against a Hobart AFL stadium a matter of 'reading the room' of the electorate |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-02-08/wilkie-opposing-millions-dollars-afl-stadium-hobart-analysis/101941222 |access-date=2024-05-11 |work=ABC News |language=en-AU}}</ref>


==Bidding process in 2018==
==Bidding process in 2018==
Line 168: Line 181:


===Brisbane City FC===
===Brisbane City FC===
[[Brisbane City FC]] was the only Brisbane-based bid for the A-League after [[Brisbane Strikers FC|Brisbane Strikers]] withdrew from the process.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/the-15-a-league-expansion-bids-on-deadline-day|title=The 15 A-League expansion bids on deadline day {{!}} The World Game|work=The World Game|access-date=2018-05-24|language=en-GB}}</ref> The bid went under the name Brisbane City Gladiators and planned on playing in a refurbished [[Ballymore Stadium]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Press |first=Australian Associated |date=2017-05-05 |title=Brisbane City Gladiators apply for A-League expansion licence |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/may/05/brisbane-city-gladiators-apply-for-a-league-expansion-license |access-date=2023-11-23 |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> Their bid was not included in the final eight bid shortlist considered by the FFA in 2018.<ref name=final8/>
[[Brisbane City FC|Brisbane City]] was the only Brisbane-based bid for the A-League after Brisbane Strikers withdrew from the process.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/the-15-a-league-expansion-bids-on-deadline-day|title=The 15 A-League expansion bids on deadline day {{!}} The World Game|work=The World Game|access-date=2018-05-24|language=en-GB}}</ref> The bid went under the name Brisbane City Gladiators and planned on playing in a refurbished [[Ballymore Stadium]].<ref>{{Cite news |agency=Australian Associated Press |date=2017-05-05 |title=Brisbane City Gladiators apply for A-League expansion licence |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/may/05/brisbane-city-gladiators-apply-for-a-league-expansion-license |access-date=2023-11-23 |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> Their bid was not included in the final eight bid shortlist considered by the FFA in 2018.<ref name=final8/>


=== Brisbane Strikers ===
=== Brisbane Strikers ===
[[Brisbane Strikers FC|Brisbane Strikers]] pulled out of the bidding process before the deadline citing issues with [[Football Australia]]. The bid planned on playing out of an upgraded [[Perry Park, Brisbane|Perry Park]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Monteverde |first=Marco |date=May 20, 2018 |title=Brisbane Strikers pull out of A-League expansion race citing lack of confidence in FFA process |work=Courrier Mail |url=https://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/football/brisbane-strikers-pull-out-of-aleague-expansion-race-citing-lack-of-confidence-in-ffa-process/news-story/4e1ac1617bd73c35a92e3b1f1d30e5e1 |access-date=2023-11-23}}</ref>
Brisbane Strikers pulled out of the bidding process before the deadline citing issues with [[Football Australia]]. The bid planned on playing out of an upgraded [[Perry Park, Brisbane|Perry Park]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Monteverde |first=Marco |date=May 20, 2018 |title=Brisbane Strikers pull out of A-League expansion race citing lack of confidence in FFA process |work=Courrier Mail |url=https://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/football/brisbane-strikers-pull-out-of-aleague-expansion-race-citing-lack-of-confidence-in-ffa-process/news-story/4e1ac1617bd73c35a92e3b1f1d30e5e1 |access-date=2023-11-23}}</ref>


=== Canberra ===
=== Canberra ===
{{Further|Canberra A-League Bid}}The second Canberra A-League bid, CBR & Capital Region A-League Bid, first started fact finding operations following FFA chairman, Steven Lowey, telling the media in October 2016 that the FFA was planning on a new round of expansion for the A-League.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.canberratimes.com.au/sport/act-sport/capital-football-chief-phil-brown-confirms-canberra-aleague-bid-rumours-20170325-gv6cox.html|title=Capital Football chief confirms Canberra A-League bid rumours|last=Helmers|first=Caden|date=2017-03-25|work=[[Canberra Times]]|access-date=2018-02-13|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url = https://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/chairman-steven-lowy-confirms-ffas-plans-to-expand-aleague-to-up-to-16-teams-20161005-grvogh.html | title = Chairman Steven Lowy confirms FFA's plans to expand A-League to up to 16 teams | newspaper=[[Sydney Morning Herald]] | first=Dominic | last=Bossi | date=2016-10-05 | access-date =2018-07-13 }}</ref> In 2017, the FFA cooled on the idea of expansion and the Canberra bid remained dormant.<ref>{{cite news | url = https://www.theaustralian.com.au/sport/football/expanding-current-aleague-model-would-be-disastrous-ffa/news-story/6c2d6a81ecd8a28aa22aa7f5cb8371c3 | title = Expanding current A-League model would be disastrous: FFA | newspaper=[[The Australian]]| first=Ray | last=Gatt | date=2017-02-28 | access-date =2018-07-10 }}</ref>
{{Further|Canberra A-League Bid}}
The original [[Canberra]]-based bid, A-League4Canberra, was announced in July 2008. It was led by [[TransACT]] CEO Ivan Slavich and gained support from many local business leaders including the manager of [[Canberra Stadium]], where the team was expected to be based. The FFA agreed to Slavich's request to extend the deadline for bids until mid-August, and Socceroo [[Carl Valeri]] and former Socceroo [[Ned Zelic]] became foundation members.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/79973,no-canberra-club-is-crazy.aspx|title=No Canberra club 'is crazy'|date=8 July 2008|access-date=12 October 2009|work=[[FourFourTwo (Australia)]]}}</ref>

On 10 May 2012, with the FFA announcing that A-League expansion beyond ten teams was on hold until 2015 in the wake of the establishment of a West Sydney-based side in time for the 2012–2013 season, A-League4Canberra suspended its efforts to secure a team for the Australian capital city, and the bid group was wound up.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/239462,canberra-give-in-as-ffa-pull-up-the-ladder.aspx|title=Canberra Give in As FFA Pull Up the Ladder|date=10 May 2012|access-date=16 May 2012|work=[[FourFourTwo (Australia)]]}}</ref> There was no connection to [[Capital Football]] owned and operated W-League club [[Canberra United FC]].


The second Canberra A-League bid, CBR & Capital Region A-League Bid, first started fact finding operations following FFA chairman, Steven Lowey, telling the media in October 2016 that the FFA was planning on a new round of expansion for the A-League.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.canberratimes.com.au/sport/act-sport/capital-football-chief-phil-brown-confirms-canberra-aleague-bid-rumours-20170325-gv6cox.html|title=Capital Football chief confirms Canberra A-League bid rumours|last=Helmers|first=Caden|date=2017-03-25|work=[[Canberra Times]]|access-date=2018-02-13|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url = https://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/chairman-steven-lowy-confirms-ffas-plans-to-expand-aleague-to-up-to-16-teams-20161005-grvogh.html | title = Chairman Steven Lowy confirms FFA's plans to expand A-League to up to 16 teams | newspaper=[[Sydney Morning Herald]] | first=Dominic | last=Bossi | date=2016-10-05 | access-date =2018-07-13 }}</ref> In 2017 the FFA cooled on the idea of expansion and the Canberra bid remained dormant.<ref>{{cite news | url = https://www.theaustralian.com.au/sport/football/expanding-current-aleague-model-would-be-disastrous-ffa/news-story/6c2d6a81ecd8a28aa22aa7f5cb8371c3 | title = Expanding current A-League model would be disastrous: FFA | newspaper=[[The Australian]]| first=Ray | last=Gatt | date=2017-02-28 | access-date =2018-07-10 }}</ref> In February 2018 the FFA formally announced the A-League would expand to 12 teams and opened up [[expression of interest|expressions of interests]] (EOI).<ref>{{cite news | url = https://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/ffa-announce-aleague-expansion-to-12-teams-but-clubs-are-wary-of-smokescreen-20180216-h0w8ao.html | title = FFA announce A-League expansion to 12 teams but clubs are wary of 'smokescreen' | newspaper=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]]| first=Dominic | last=Bossi | date=2018-02-16 | access-date =2018-07-10 }}</ref>
In February 2018, the FFA formally announced the A-League would expand to 12 teams and opened up [[expression of interest|expressions of interests]] (EOI).<ref>{{cite news | url = https://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/ffa-announce-aleague-expansion-to-12-teams-but-clubs-are-wary-of-smokescreen-20180216-h0w8ao.html | title = FFA announce A-League expansion to 12 teams but clubs are wary of 'smokescreen' | newspaper=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]]| first=Dominic | last=Bossi | date=2018-02-16 | access-date =2018-07-10 }}</ref>


CBR & Capital Region A-League Bid, officially submitted its EOI and launched its bid in May 2018 along with fourteen other bids.<ref>{{cite news | url = https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/may/25/fifteen-a-league-expansion-bids-confirmed-on-deadline-day | title = Fifteen A-League expansion bids confirmed on deadline day | newspaper=[[The Guardian]]| date=2018-05-25 | access-date =2018-07-10 }}</ref> The bid leader was revealed to be ONTHEGO Sportswear employee Michael Caggiano. The bid team revealed the new Canberra bid would be built around a community ownership model using the [[German Football Association|DFB]] and [[Bundesliga]] principles of [[50+1 rule|50+1]], with the community owning the majority of the voting rights.<ref>{{cite news | url = https://www.canberratimes.com.au/sport/soccer/canberra-a-league-bid-to-be-modeled-on-german-bundesliga-licence-20180516-p4zflc.html | title = Canberra A-League bid to be modeled on German Bundesliga licence | newspaper=[[The Canberra Times]]| first=Chris | last=Dutton | date=2018-05-16 | access-date =2018-07-10 }}</ref> The bid was shortlisted by the FFA on 29 June 2018 and progressed to the next more detailed submission phase along with nine other bids.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.foxsports.com.au/football/sydney-and-melbourne-bids-dominate-shortlist-for-two-spots-in-expanded-aleague/news-story/5ada3932a8b8bfbfd139f2f8a891e87f | title = Sydney and Melbourne bids dominate shortlist for two spots in expanded A-League | publisher=[[Fox Sports Australia]]| date=2018-06-29 | access-date =2018-07-10 }}</ref>
CBR & Capital Region A-League Bid, officially submitted its EOI and launched its bid in May 2018 along with fourteen other bids.<ref>{{cite news | url = https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/may/25/fifteen-a-league-expansion-bids-confirmed-on-deadline-day | title = Fifteen A-League expansion bids confirmed on deadline day | newspaper=[[The Guardian]]| date=2018-05-25 | access-date =2018-07-10 }}</ref> The bid leader was revealed to be ONTHEGO Sportswear employee Michael Caggiano. The bid team revealed the new Canberra bid would be built around a community ownership model using the [[German Football Association|DFB]] and [[Bundesliga]] principles of [[50+1 rule|50+1]], with the community owning the majority of the voting rights.<ref>{{cite news | url = https://www.canberratimes.com.au/sport/soccer/canberra-a-league-bid-to-be-modeled-on-german-bundesliga-licence-20180516-p4zflc.html | title = Canberra A-League bid to be modeled on German Bundesliga licence | newspaper=[[The Canberra Times]]| first=Chris | last=Dutton | date=2018-05-16 | access-date =2018-07-10 }}</ref> The bid was shortlisted by the FFA on 29 June 2018 and progressed to the next more detailed submission phase along with nine other bids.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.foxsports.com.au/football/sydney-and-melbourne-bids-dominate-shortlist-for-two-spots-in-expanded-aleague/news-story/5ada3932a8b8bfbfd139f2f8a891e87f | title = Sydney and Melbourne bids dominate shortlist for two spots in expanded A-League | publisher=[[Fox Sports Australia]]| date=2018-06-29 | access-date =2018-07-10 }}</ref>


The Canberra and broader region bid was included in the final eight bids considered by the FFA in 2018,<ref name=final8/> though it eventually lost out to Western Melbourne and South West/Macarthur. Despite this setback, the consortium has since stated they are "confident" of entering the A-League by late 2020 after discussions with the FFA, with the prospect of either joining the league as the 13th active club or perhaps replacing the New Zealand-based [[Wellington Phoenix FC]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/canberra-has-clear-path-to-join-a-league-in-2020-20181221-p50np1.html|title=Canberra has 'clear path' to join A-League in 2020|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|date=21 December 2018}}</ref>
The Canberra and broader region bid was included in the final eight bids considered by the FFA in 2018,<ref name=final8/> though it eventually lost out to Western Melbourne and South West/Macarthur. Despite this setback, the consortium has since stated they are "confident" of entering the A-League by late 2020 after discussions with the FFA, with the prospect of either joining the league as the 13th active club or perhaps replacing the New Zealand-based Wellington Phoenix.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/canberra-has-clear-path-to-join-a-league-in-2020-20181221-p50np1.html|title=Canberra has 'clear path' to join A-League in 2020|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|date=21 December 2018}}</ref>


On 25 August 2020, the previous Canberra bidding team announced a new proposal to obtain a licence for a Canberra-based A-League team had been submitted to the FFA. The new bid was named Capital Region Football Collective (CRFC). The official proposal submitted had multi-million dollar backing from local and international sources. The proposal sought a licence to be issued with a view for a team to enter the league in the 2021/22 season. The bid team expressed their desire to secure the 13th A-League licence, however they would also be open to buying out the [[Central Coast Mariners]]’ licence if the FFA did not want to issue a new licence.<ref name="THIRDBID">{{cite web | url=https://the-riotact.com/canberra-back-on-field-with-revitalised-a-league-bid/399367 | title=Canberra makes another pitch to join the A-League | publisher=www.the-riotact.com | first=Dominic | last=Giannini | date=25 August 2020 | access-date=10 September 2020 }}</ref> Mike Charlesworth had put the Mariners licence up for sale a week earlier.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-08-04/central-coast-mariners-for-sale-as-owner-seeks-a-league-exit/12521900 | title=Central Coast Mariners owner Mike Charlesworth seeks a buyer, as questions remain over club's future | publisher=[[ABC Australia]] | date=4 August 2020 | access-date=10 September 2020 }}</ref> The Canberra bidding team stipulated a condition of a four to six week timeframe on receiving a final answer from the FFA.<ref name="THIRDBID"/>
On 25 August 2020, the previous Canberra bidding team announced a new proposal to obtain a licence for a Canberra-based A-League team had been submitted to the FFA. The new bid was named Capital Region Football Collective (CRFC). The official proposal submitted had multi-million dollar backing from local and international sources. The proposal sought a licence to be issued with a view for a team to enter the league in the 2021/22 season. The bid team expressed their desire to secure the 13th A-League licence, however they would also be open to buying out the Central Coast Mariners’ licence if the FFA did not want to issue a new licence.<ref name="THIRDBID">{{cite web | url=https://the-riotact.com/canberra-back-on-field-with-revitalised-a-league-bid/399367 | title=Canberra makes another pitch to join the A-League | publisher=www.the-riotact.com | first=Dominic | last=Giannini | date=25 August 2020 | access-date=10 September 2020 }}</ref> Mike Charlesworth had put the Mariners licence up for sale a week earlier.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-08-04/central-coast-mariners-for-sale-as-owner-seeks-a-league-exit/12521900 | title=Central Coast Mariners owner Mike Charlesworth seeks a buyer, as questions remain over club's future | publisher=[[ABC Australia]] | date=4 August 2020 | access-date=10 September 2020 }}</ref> The Canberra bidding team stipulated a condition of a four to six week timeframe on receiving a final answer from the FFA.<ref name="THIRDBID"/>


=== Fremantle City ===
=== Fremantle City ===
[[Fremantle City FC|Fremantle City]] was the only Perth-based bid for the A-League and planned to play out of a redeveloped [[Fremantle Oval]]. The bid was reportedly in contact with Juventus regarding a football partnership.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-05-19 |title=Fremantle City’s plans to call Freo Oval home |url=https://thewest.com.au/sport/a-league/a-league-expansion-redeveloped-fremantle-oval-mooted-as-potential-home-for-fremantle-city-ng-b88841097z |access-date=2023-11-23 |website=The West Australian |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-05-26 |title=Fremantle City make A-League bid official |url=https://thewest.com.au/sport/soccer/fremantle-city-make-a-league-bid-official-in-next-expansion-step-ng-b88847403z |access-date=2023-11-23 |website=The West Australian |language=en}}</ref>
[[Fremantle City FC|Fremantle City]] was the only Perth-based bid for the A-League and planned to play out of a redeveloped [[Fremantle Oval]]. The bid was reportedly in contact with Juventus regarding a football partnership.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-05-19 |title=Fremantle City's plans to call Freo Oval home |url=https://thewest.com.au/sport/a-league/a-league-expansion-redeveloped-fremantle-oval-mooted-as-potential-home-for-fremantle-city-ng-b88841097z |access-date=2023-11-23 |website=The West Australian |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-05-26 |title=Fremantle City make A-League bid official |url=https://thewest.com.au/sport/soccer/fremantle-city-make-a-league-bid-official-in-next-expansion-step-ng-b88847403z |access-date=2023-11-23 |website=The West Australian |language=en}}</ref>


===Gold Coast===
===Gold Coast===
{{Further|Gold Coast A-League Bid}}
{{Further|Gold Coast A-League Bid}}
In August 2017 it was announced that previous A-League club [[Gold Coast United FC]] had been reformed to represent the [[Gold Coast, Queensland|Gold Coast]] region in the [[National Premier Leagues Queensland|Queensland National Premier League]]. As a part of the club's revival, chairman [[Danny Maher]] announced the club has intentions to re-enter the A-League and the [[A-League Women|W-League]]. Gold Coast was not included in the final eight bids considered by the FFA.<ref name=final8/>
In August 2017 it was announced that previous A-League club Gold Coast United had been reformed to represent the Gold Coast region in the Queensland National Premier League. As a part of the club's revival, chairman [[Danny Maher]] announced the club has intentions to re-enter the A-League and the [[A-League Women|W-League]]. Gold Coast was not included in the final eight bids considered by the FFA.<ref name=final8/>


===Ipswich/Western Pride===
===Ipswich/Western Pride===
Expansion into the Western suburbs of [[Brisbane]] has been boosted by the growth in population projected over the coming decades. [[Ipswich, Queensland|Ipswich]] Mayor Paul Pisasale promised in August 2013 to build a 15,000-seat stadium at [[North Ipswich Reserve|North Ipswich Oval]] if a licence was secured.<ref>{{cite web|title=Now the A-League has Ipswich as its goal|url=http://www.qt.com.au/news/citys-soccer-dream/1988103/|publisher=qt.com.au|access-date=22 August 2013}}</ref> The region's bid for an A-League expansion position is further helped by the strong community ties of current [[National Premier Leagues Queensland|NPL Queensland]] side [[Western Pride FC]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Big hopes for bringing A-League to Ipswich|url=http://www.qt.com.au/news/big-hopes-for-bringing-a-league-to-ipswich/1988708/|publisher=qt.com.au|access-date=22 August 2013}}</ref> The bid was included in the eight bids considered by the FFA in August 2018, though later rejected by the FFA in October 2018.<ref name=final8/><ref name=Oct2018Update/>
Expansion into the Western suburbs of Brisbane has been boosted by the growth in population projected over the coming decades. [[Ipswich, Queensland|Ipswich]] Mayor Paul Pisasale promised in August 2013 to build a 15,000-seat stadium at [[North Ipswich Reserve|North Ipswich Oval]] if a licence was secured.<ref>{{cite web|title=Now the A-League has Ipswich as its goal|url=http://www.qt.com.au/news/citys-soccer-dream/1988103/|publisher=qt.com.au|access-date=22 August 2013}}</ref> The region's bid for an A-League expansion position is further helped by the strong community ties of current NPL Queensland side [[Western Pride FC|Western Pride]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Big hopes for bringing A-League to Ipswich|url=http://www.qt.com.au/news/big-hopes-for-bringing-a-league-to-ipswich/1988708/|publisher=qt.com.au|access-date=22 August 2013}}</ref> The bid was included in the eight bids considered by the FFA in August 2018, though later rejected by the FFA in October 2018.<ref name=final8/><ref name=Oct2018Update/> There were also meetings between the Brisbane Strikers and the Ipswich bid playing out of stadium in [[Springfield, Queensland|Springfield]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2016-11-30 |title=Brisbane's A-League wish needs support |url=https://www.espn.com.au/football/story/_/id/37503244/brisbane-strikers-ipswich-league-dream-needs-support-government |access-date=2024-05-11 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}</ref>


===Team 11 (South East Melbourne)===
===Team 11 (South East Melbourne)===
A Victorian-based consortium, Team 11, bid for an A-League licence, with the team aiming to represent and play in [[South-East Melbourne|Melbourne's South East]], becoming the third A-league franchise in the state.<ref>https://www.weareteam11.com/news/</ref> The bid was assisted by the multicultural population of 1,700,000+ people residing in the region, which includes a high soccer participation rate. The region has also been left out of most national sporting competitions, including AFL, NRL, and until [[South East Melbourne Phoenix|2019]] the NBL which makes it hard for sporting fanatics that call the South East home to watch national league matches. The club is backed by Australian soccer icon [[Vince Grella]], who grew up in the South East of Melbourne, as well as Socceroo, [[Jackson Irvine]] and several others. The club envisages playing out of a boutique stadium with a minimum 10,000-capacity, with the capability to expand in future.
A Victorian-based consortium, Team 11, bid for an A-League licence, with the team aiming to represent and play in [[South-East Melbourne|Melbourne's South East]], becoming the third A-league franchise in the state.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.weareteam11.com/news/ |title=News – We are Team 11 |access-date=29 September 2019 |archive-date=29 September 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190929041423/https://www.weareteam11.com/news/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> The bid was assisted by the multicultural population of 1,700,000+ people residing in the region, which includes a high football participation rate. The region has also been left out of most national sporting competitions, including AFL, NRL, and until [[South East Melbourne Phoenix|2019]], the NBL.


The six biggest soccer clubs in the local government areas of the Casey and [[Dandenong]] regions united for an official A-League bid in late 2016.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/football/a-league/caseydandenong-soccer-clubs-ready-to-unite-behind-local-push-for-an-aleague-license/news-story/91400c4396bba2fe4b13349a401c34a8|title=Casey-Dandenong soccer clubs ready to unite behind local push for an A-League license|date=17 November 2016|work=[[Herald Sun]]|access-date=17 November 2016}}</ref> The region is considered one of Australia's fastest-growing in terms of population.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/could-dandenong-mirror-the-wanderers-and-be-melbournes-third-aleague-club-20170630-gx1slw.html|title=Could Dandenong mirror the Wanderers and be Melbourne's third A-League club?|last=Lynch|first=Michael|date=2017-06-30|website=The Sydney Morning Herald|language=en|access-date=2018-04-30}}</ref> On 30 April 2018 the bid announced an intended home stadium location, to be located next to [[Dandenong railway station]] on the site of the former stock yards.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.weareteam11.com/dandenong-stadium-plans-announced/|title=Dandenong Stadium Plans Announced|work=We are Team 11|access-date=2018-04-30|language=en-AU}}</ref> [[Casey Fields]] would be used as the club's training ground and administration base.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.greaterdandenong.com/document/32142/team-11 |title=Team 11 - City of Greater Dandenong |website=www.greaterdandenong.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180520212335/http://www.greaterdandenong.com/document/32142/team-11 |archive-date=2018-05-20}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.fourfourtwo.com.au/news/dandenong-mayor-wed-get-20000-members-in-a-month--465332|title=Dandenong Mayor: We'd get 20,000 members in a month|website=FourFourTwo|access-date=2018-04-30}}</ref> South East Melbourne was included in the final eight bids considered by the FFA in 2018.,<ref name=final8/><ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.a-league.com.au/news/ffa-receives-eight-final-bids-hyundai-a-league-expansion| title = News - A Leagues {{!}} KEEPUP}}</ref> but ultimately failed because of concerns about the consortium's ability to fund the ambitious project<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/ffa-concerned-on-funding-behind-expansion-favourite-20181017-p50a35.html| title = A-League expansion proposal has FFA concerned on funding for favourite| date = 16 October 2018}}</ref>
The six biggest football clubs in the local government areas of the Casey and [[Dandenong]] regions united for an official A-League bid in late 2016.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/football/a-league/caseydandenong-soccer-clubs-ready-to-unite-behind-local-push-for-an-aleague-license/news-story/91400c4396bba2fe4b13349a401c34a8|title=Casey-Dandenong soccer clubs ready to unite behind local push for an A-League license|date=17 November 2016|work=[[Herald Sun]]|access-date=17 November 2016}}</ref> The region is considered one of Australia's fastest-growing in terms of population.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/could-dandenong-mirror-the-wanderers-and-be-melbournes-third-aleague-club-20170630-gx1slw.html|title=Could Dandenong mirror the Wanderers and be Melbourne's third A-League club?|last=Lynch|first=Michael|date=2017-06-30|website=The Sydney Morning Herald|language=en|access-date=2018-04-30}}</ref>
On 30 April 2018, the bid announced an intended home stadium location, to be located next to [[Dandenong railway station]] on the site of the former stock yards.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.weareteam11.com/dandenong-stadium-plans-announced/|title=Dandenong Stadium Plans Announced|work=We are Team 11|access-date=2018-04-30|language=en-AU|archive-date=30 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180430114249/https://www.weareteam11.com/dandenong-stadium-plans-announced/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Casey Fields would be used as the club's training ground and administration base.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.greaterdandenong.com/document/32142/team-11 |title=Team 11 - City of Greater Dandenong |website=www.greaterdandenong.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180520212335/http://www.greaterdandenong.com/document/32142/team-11 |archive-date=2018-05-20}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.fourfourtwo.com.au/news/dandenong-mayor-wed-get-20000-members-in-a-month--465332|title=Dandenong Mayor: We'd get 20,000 members in a month|website=FourFourTwo|access-date=2018-04-30|archive-date=30 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180430121215/https://www.fourfourtwo.com.au/news/dandenong-mayor-wed-get-20000-members-in-a-month--465332|url-status=dead}}</ref> South East Melbourne was included in the final eight bids considered by the FFA in 2018,<ref name="final8" /><ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.a-league.com.au/news/ffa-receives-eight-final-bids-hyundai-a-league-expansion| title = News - A Leagues {{!}} KEEPUP}}</ref> but ultimately failed because of concerns about the consortium's ability to fund the ambitious project<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/ffa-concerned-on-funding-behind-expansion-favourite-20181017-p50a35.html| title = A-League expansion proposal has FFA concerned on funding for favourite| date = 16 October 2018}}</ref>


===South Melbourne===
===South Melbourne===
Former NSL powerhouse and OFC Team of the Century [[South Melbourne FC]] launch a bid to receive an expansion license for the 2018–19 A-League season. The club argued it is advantaged by possessing the required $5 million capital, as well as access to [[Lakeside Stadium]] as both a training base and home ground, and finally an ability to simultaneously launch a W-League team.<ref>{{Cite news |url= http://www.foxsports.com.au/football/a-league/aleague-expansion-south-melbourne-aims-to-gain-inclusion-into-201718-competition/news-story/7ebc97700e4792176e7c4f86223f44be |title= A-League expansion: South Melbourne aims to gain inclusion into 2017–18 competition |date= 15 November 2016 |work=[[Fox Sports Australia]] |access-date=15 November 2016}}</ref> South Melbourne FC was included in the final eight bids considered by the FFA in 2018.<ref name=final8/>
Former NSL powerhouse and OFC Team of the Century South Melbourne launched a bid to receive an expansion license for the 2018–19 A-League season. The club argued it had an advantage by possessing the required $5 million capital, access to the [[Lakeside Stadium]] and ability to simultaneously launch a W-League team.<ref>{{Cite news |url= http://www.foxsports.com.au/football/a-league/aleague-expansion-south-melbourne-aims-to-gain-inclusion-into-201718-competition/news-story/7ebc97700e4792176e7c4f86223f44be |title= A-League expansion: South Melbourne aims to gain inclusion into 2017–18 competition |date= 15 November 2016 |work=[[Fox Sports Australia]] |access-date=15 November 2016}}</ref> South Melbourne was included in the final eight bids considered by the FFA in 2018.<ref name=final8/>


=== South West Sydney FC ===
=== South West Sydney FC ===
The other half to the eventually successful South West Sydney/Macarthur bid, this bid had support from the [[City of Liverpool (New South Wales)|Mayor of Liverpool]] [[Ned Mannoun]] with plans to build a 35,000 seat stadium in Liverpool and potential backing from [[Fenway Sports Group|Femway Sports Group]], owners of [[Liverpool F.C.|Liverpool FC]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lehmann |first=John |date=March 5, 2015 |title=Fair Go For The West: Liverpool Mayor Ned Mannoun on a crusade for a new western Sydney stadium |url=https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/fairgowest/fair-go-for-the-west-liverpool-mayor-ned-mannoun-on-a-crusade-for-a-new-western-sydney-stadium/news-story/f1302d0afedcadc592511944120eef8c |access-date=2023-11-23}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-12-13 |title=How Macarthur South-West Sydney secured an A-League licence for the 2019/20 season |url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/football/a-league/how-macarthur-southwest-sydney-secured-an-aleague-licence-for-the-201920-season/news-story/d0e7acf514ba6a5b1babba2ad2de53d8 |access-date=2023-11-23 |website=Fox Sports |language=en}}</ref>
The other half to the eventually successful South West Sydney/Macarthur bid, this bid had support from the [[City of Liverpool (New South Wales)|Mayor of Liverpool]] [[Ned Mannoun]] with plans to build a 35,000 seat stadium in Liverpool and potential backing from [[Fenway Sports Group|Femway Sports Group]], owners of [[Liverpool F.C.|Liverpool FC]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-12-13 |title=How Macarthur South-West Sydney secured an A-League licence for the 2019/20 season |url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/football/a-league/how-macarthur-southwest-sydney-secured-an-aleague-licence-for-the-201920-season/news-story/d0e7acf514ba6a5b1babba2ad2de53d8 |access-date=2024-06-16 |website=Fox Sports |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Lehmann |first=John |date=2018-03-05 |title=Fair Go For The West: Liverpool Mayor Ned Mannoun on a crusade for a new western Sydney stadium |url=https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/fairgowest/fair-go-for-the-west-liverpool-mayor-ned-mannoun-on-a-crusade-for-a-new-western-sydney-stadium/news-story/f1302d0afedcadc592511944120eef8c }}</ref>


===Southern Sydney===
===Southern Sydney===
Southern Sydney has been identified by the [[Football Australia|FFA]] as a possible site for future expansion. The club would likely be based between the [[Illawarra]] and [[Sutherland Shire]] and include the [[St George]] area of Southern Sydney.<ref>{{Cite news |url= http://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/article/2016/07/15/southern-sydney-likely-site-inevitable-league-expansion |title= Southern Sydney likely site for 'inevitable' A-League expansion |last= Pritchard |first=Greg |date=15 July 2016 |work=[[The World Game]] |access-date= 18 August 2016}}</ref> The area has a large number of junior soccer players but may be seen as encroaching on [[Sydney FC]]'s and to a lesser extent [[Western Sydney Wanderers]]'s base of supporters. By mid-2018, an additional bid had emerged, developing into a joint venture between [[South-western Sydney|South West Sydney]] and [[Macarthur, New South Wales|Macarthur]]. Both Southern Sydney and South West Sydney/Macarthur were included in the final eight bids considered by the FFA in 2018, with the latter bid winning out.<ref name=final8/>
Southern Sydney has been identified by the FFA as a possible site for future expansion. The club would likely be based between the [[Illawarra]] and [[Sutherland Shire]] and include the [[St George]] area of Southern Sydney.<ref>{{Cite news |url= http://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/article/2016/07/15/southern-sydney-likely-site-inevitable-league-expansion |title= Southern Sydney likely site for 'inevitable' A-League expansion |last= Pritchard |first=Greg |date=15 July 2016 |work=[[The World Game]] |access-date= 18 August 2016}}</ref> The area has a large number of junior soccer players but may be seen as encroaching on Sydney's and to a lesser extent [[Western Sydney Wanderers]]'s supporter bases. By mid-2018, an additional bid had emerged, developing into a joint venture between [[South-western Sydney|South West Sydney]] and [[Macarthur, New South Wales|Macarthur]]. Both Southern Sydney and South West Sydney/Macarthur were included in the final eight bids considered by the FFA in 2018, with the latter bid being successful.<ref name=final8/>


=== Sunshine Coast ===
=== Sunshine Coast ===
A consortium led by Indian billionaire, Nirav Tripathi, planned on joining the A-League with a team based in the [[Sunshine Coast, Queensland|Sunshine Coast]]. The bid planned on playing games out of [[Sunshine Coast Stadium]] and had support from NPL team [[Sunshine Coast FC]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Monteverde |first=Marco |date=December 17, 2016 |title=Queensland’s Sunshine Coast poised to enter the A-League expansion race, backed by consortium |work=Courier Mail |url=https://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/football/a-league/teams/adelaide/queenslands-sunshine-coast-poised-to-enter-the-aleague-expansion-race-backed-by-consortium/news-story/e9fa2b3062f3fb159ba717bf277af839 |access-date=2023-11-23}}</ref> The group never reported making a bid.
A consortium led by Indian billionaire, Nirav Tripathi, planned on joining the A-League with a team based in the [[Sunshine Coast, Queensland|Sunshine Coast]]. The bid received support from NPL team [[Sunshine Coast FC|Sunshine Coast]] and included plans to play games at the [[Sunshine Coast Stadium]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Monteverde |first=Marco |date=December 17, 2016 |title=Queensland's Sunshine Coast poised to enter the A-League expansion race, backed by consortium |work=Courier Mail |url=https://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/football/a-league/teams/adelaide/queenslands-sunshine-coast-poised-to-enter-the-aleague-expansion-race-backed-by-consortium/news-story/e9fa2b3062f3fb159ba717bf277af839 |access-date=2023-11-23}}</ref>


===Tasmania===
===Tasmania===
{{Further|Tasmanian A-League Bid}}
{{Further|Tasmanian A-League Bid}}
In October 2007, [[Football Federation Tasmania]] CEO Martin Shaw suggested that [[Tasmania]] would be a viable location for an A-League club, mentioning the fact that it would need support from state and local government. It has been suggested that such a team would play games in both [[Hobart]] and [[Launceston, Tasmania|Launceston]].<ref name=":7">{{Cite news|url=http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,22553407-5000940,00.html|title=Why not Tasmania?|work=[[Fox Sports (Australia)]]|date=9 October 2007|access-date=12 October 2009}}</ref><ref name=":8">{{Cite news|url=http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/65860,tasmania-wants-aleague-bid.aspx |title=Tasmania wants A-League bid |work=[[FourFourTwo (Australia)]] |date=27 November 2007 |access-date=12 October 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080905071209/http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/65860,tasmania-wants-aleague-bid.aspx |archive-date=5 September 2008}}</ref> In 2008, a Tasmanian Football Taskforce was formed to investigate an A-League bid.<ref name=":4">{{Cite news|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/03/19/2193662.htm?section=sport|title=Tasmanian national football team push|publisher=[[Australian Broadcasting Corporation|ABC]]|date=19 March 2008|access-date=12 October 2009}}</ref><ref name=":5">{{Cite news|url=http://www.news.com.au/mercury/story/0,22884,23626990-13222,00.html |title=Tassie A-League hope |date=1 May 2008 |access-date=12 October 2009 |work=[[The Mercury (Hobart)|The Mercury]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080504060814/http://www.news.com.au/mercury/story/0,22884,23626990-13222,00.html |archive-date=4 May 2008}}</ref> The Taskforce had registered the name "[[Tasmania United FC]]" and had submitted a bid for the 2011–12 season.<ref name=":6">{{Cite news|url=http://www.news.com.au/mercury/story/0,22884,24080405-13222,00.html|title=Public to choose Tassie's A-League logo|date=26 July 2008|work=[[The Mercury (Hobart)|The Mercury]]|access-date=12 October 2009}} {{Dead link|date=August 2010|bot=RjwilmsiBot}}</ref> The Taskforce chose 25 November to launch the consortium to the press and named 'Motors' as a major sponsor.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,24571266-23215,00.html?from=public_rss|title=Tassie would make A-League national|date=29 October 2008|work=[[Fox Sports (Australia)]]|access-date=12 October 2009}}</ref> A franchise in Tasmania will give the A-League a wider national representation than the AFL and NRL.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/01/11/tasmanian-franchise-must-be-a-priority-for-the-a-league/|title=Tasmanian franchise must be a priority for the A-League|last=Musolino|first=Adrian|date=11 January 2009|publisher=The Roar|access-date=12 October 2009}}</ref> A [[sheikh]] from [[Dubai]] is being linked with Tasmania's bid for an A-League team.<ref name=":9">{{Cite news|url=http://tribalfootball.com/sheikh-backed-tasmania-plan-gatecrashing-league-233094|title=Sheikh-backed Tasmania plan gatecrashing A-League|date=17 March 2009|publisher=TribalFootball|access-date=12 October 2009}}</ref>
In October 2007, [[Football Federation Tasmania]] CEO Martin Shaw suggested that Tasmania would be a viable location for an A-League club, mentioning the fact that it would need support from state and local government. It has been suggested that such a team would play games in both Hobart and Launceston.<ref name=":7">{{Cite news|url=http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,22553407-5000940,00.html|title=Why not Tasmania?|work=[[Fox Sports (Australia)]]|date=9 October 2007|access-date=12 October 2009}}</ref><ref name=":8">{{Cite news|url=http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/65860,tasmania-wants-aleague-bid.aspx |title=Tasmania wants A-League bid |work=[[FourFourTwo (Australia)]] |date=27 November 2007 |access-date=12 October 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080905071209/http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/65860,tasmania-wants-aleague-bid.aspx |archive-date=5 September 2008}}</ref>
In 2008, a Tasmanian Football Taskforce was formed to investigate an A-League bid.<ref name=":4">{{Cite news|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/03/19/2193662.htm?section=sport|title=Tasmanian national football team push|publisher=[[Australian Broadcasting Corporation|ABC]]|date=19 March 2008|access-date=12 October 2009}}</ref><ref name=":5">{{Cite news|url=http://www.news.com.au/mercury/story/0,22884,23626990-13222,00.html |title=Tassie A-League hope |date=1 May 2008 |access-date=12 October 2009 |work=[[The Mercury (Hobart)|The Mercury]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080504060814/http://www.news.com.au/mercury/story/0,22884,23626990-13222,00.html |archive-date=4 May 2008}}</ref> The Taskforce officially registered [[Tasmania United FC|Tasmania United Football Club]] and submitted a bid for the 2011–12 season,<ref name=":6">{{Cite news|url=http://www.news.com.au/mercury/story/0,22884,24080405-13222,00.html|title=Public to choose Tassie's A-League logo|date=26 July 2008|work=[[The Mercury (Hobart)|The Mercury]]|access-date=12 October 2009}} {{Dead link|date=August 2010|bot=RjwilmsiBot}}</ref> launching the bid to the media on 25 November.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,24571266-23215,00.html?from=public_rss|title=Tassie would make A-League national|date=29 October 2008|work=[[Fox Sports (Australia)]]|access-date=12 October 2009}}</ref> A [[sheikh]] from [[Dubai]] was linked with Tasmania's bid for an A-League team.<ref name=":9">{{Cite news|url=http://tribalfootball.com/sheikh-backed-tasmania-plan-gatecrashing-league-233094|title=Sheikh-backed Tasmania plan gatecrashing A-League|date=17 March 2009|publisher=TribalFootball|access-date=12 October 2009}}</ref>


A Tasmania state representative team has been formed and has played pre-season friendlies such as against Melbourne Victory, indicating the possible colour scheme of a potential Tasmania club. A survey on the [[Tasmania United FC]] website found that the nickname "Wolves" was the most popular unused name amongst supporters of the consortium.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.tasmaniaunited.com.au/forum/topic/view/187/ |title=Forum |access-date=3 November 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111005190125/http://www.tasmaniaunited.com.au/forum/topic/view/187/ |archive-date=5 October 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Tasmania's bid was rejected by the FFA at the middle stage of the bidding process, in June 2018.<ref name=15to10/>
A Tasmania state representative team was formed and subsequently played friendlies, with one including a game against Melbourne Victory. A survey on the Tasmania United website found that the nickname "Wolves" was the most popular name amongst supporters of the consortium.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.tasmaniaunited.com.au/forum/topic/view/187/ |title=Forum |access-date=3 November 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111005190125/http://www.tasmaniaunited.com.au/forum/topic/view/187/ |archive-date=5 October 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Tasmania's bid was rejected by the FFA at the middle stage of the bidding process, in June 2018.<ref name="15to10" />


=== West Adelaide ===
=== West Adelaide ===
Former NSL team [[West Adelaide SC]] announced an intention to enter the league as a second [[Adelaide]] team with advances made to make past Liverpool player [[Robbie Fowler]] their manager.<ref>{{Cite news |date=7 November 2016 |title=West Adelaide eyes Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler as coach as it seeks A-league spot |work=[[Adelaide Advertiser]] |url=http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/sport/football/west-adelaide-eyes-liverpool-legend-robbie-fowler-as-coach-as-it-seeks-aleague-spot/news-story/7fb45dbd2fa94733fb6ca7653bdfbb29 |access-date=15 November 2016}}</ref> There were rumours that there was an [[Adelaide City FC|Adelaide City]] backed bid called Adelaide 11.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Named and famed: All 15 A-League expansion bids |url=https://www.ftbl.com.au/news/named-and-famed-all-15-a-league-expansion-bids-491692 |access-date=2023-11-23 |website=FTBL}}</ref> West Adelaide was not included in the final eight bids considered by the FFA in 2018.<ref name="final8" /> The chairman of West Adelaide stated that this was due to the geographic area of the bid.<ref>{{Cite web |title=A-League expansion shortlist announced |url=https://www.ftbl.com.au/news/a-league-expansion-shortlist-announced-496161 |access-date=2023-11-23 |website=FTBL}}</ref>
Former NSL team [[West Adelaide SC|West Adelaide]] announced an intention to enter the league as a second Adelaide team with advances made to make former Liverpool player [[Robbie Fowler]] their manager.<ref>{{Cite news |date=7 November 2016 |title=West Adelaide eyes Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler as coach as it seeks A-league spot |work=[[Adelaide Advertiser]] |url=http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/sport/football/west-adelaide-eyes-liverpool-legend-robbie-fowler-as-coach-as-it-seeks-aleague-spot/news-story/7fb45dbd2fa94733fb6ca7653bdfbb29 |access-date=15 November 2016}}</ref> There were rumours that there was an [[Adelaide City FC|Adelaide City]] backed bid called Adelaide 11.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Named and famed: All 15 A-League expansion bids |url=https://www.ftbl.com.au/news/named-and-famed-all-15-a-league-expansion-bids-491692 |access-date=2023-11-23 |website=FTBL}}</ref> West Adelaide was not included in the final eight bids considered by the FFA in 2018.<ref name="final8" /> The chairman of West Adelaide stated that this was due to the geographic area of the bid.<ref>{{Cite web |title=A-League expansion shortlist announced |url=https://www.ftbl.com.au/news/a-league-expansion-shortlist-announced-496161 |access-date=2023-11-23 |website=FTBL}}</ref>


===Wollongong===
===Wollongong===
{{Further|South Coast A-League Bid}}
{{Further|South Coast A-League Bid}}


By 2016, Wollongong Wolves had begun to build momentum to push for admission into the A-League.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.foxsports.com.au/football/a-league/new-head-of-the-aleague-greg-orourke-believes-expansion-is-inevitable/news-story/6f4c1a4ee95e1867bcf9fa4ce9ae2169|title=New Head of the A-League Greg O'Rourke believes expansion is 'inevitable'|last=Cockerill|first=Michael|date=14 July 2016|work=[[Fox Sports]]|access-date=17 August 2016}}</ref> An [[Australia Cup]] round of 32 tie against Sydney on 10 August 2016 (a Wednesday evening) attracted a crowd in excess of 9,000, demonstrating the potential of the Wolves. A Wolves submission was included in the eight bids considered by the FFA in August 2018, though later rejected by the FFA the following October.<ref name="final8" /><ref name="Oct2018Update" />
It is felt amongst most that the twice Australian champions the [[Wollongong Wolves FC]] should be the team from the [[Illawarra]], Former Wollongong star [[Scott Chipperfield]] has thrown his support behind them and [[Tim Cahill]] has joined the group, promising to establish a soccer academy in the region.<ref name=":2">{{Cite news|url=https://www.smh.com.au/news/a-league/wollongong-bid-scores-cahill-as-mascot/2008/05/18/1211049064801.html|title=Wollongong bid scores Cahill as mascot|last=Cockerill|first=Michael|date=19 May 2008|work=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]]|access-date=12 October 2009}}</ref> It has been rumoured the club will be backed by [[Bruce Gordon (businessman)|Bruce Gordon]], Australia's 14th wealthiest person.<ref name=":3">{{Cite news|url=https://www.smh.com.au/news/afl/winwin-situation/2006/08/08/1154802888135.html|title=WIN-win situation to get Wollongong into A-League|last=Cockerill|first=Michael|date=9 August 2006|work=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]]|access-date=12 October 2009}}</ref> Supporting Wollongong's bid for admission into the A-League is its strong junior participation rates in soccer, with the region widely being regarded as a 'soccer heartland' along with Western Sydney.


== Relocation ==
By 2016 the [[Wollongong Wolves]] have begun to build momentum to push for admission into the A-League.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.foxsports.com.au/football/a-league/new-head-of-the-aleague-greg-orourke-believes-expansion-is-inevitable/news-story/6f4c1a4ee95e1867bcf9fa4ce9ae2169|title=New Head of the A-League Greg O'Rourke believes expansion is 'inevitable'|last=Cockerill|first=Michael|date=14 July 2016|work=[[Fox Sports]]|access-date=17 August 2016}}</ref> A round of 32 match of the [[FFA Cup]] against [[Sydney FC]] played on 10 August 2016 attracted a crowd in excess of 9,000 on a Wednesday night demonstrating a potential viability of the Wolves joining the A-League. Wollongong Wolves FC was included in the eight bids considered by the FFA in August 2018, though later rejected by the FFA in October 2018.<ref name=final8/><ref name=Oct2018Update/>


=== Wellington Phoenix ===
==Prospective markets, and markets formerly under consideration==
In 2018, the [[Wellington Phoenix FC|Wellington Phoenix]] license was up for sale for $6 million and there were many different suitors including [[South Melbourne FC|South Melbourne]], [[Brisbane Strikers FC|Brisbane Strikers]], Southern Sydney, and South West Sydney, all of which were bidding for the two A-League expansion slots in 2018.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Strikers in hunt for Wellington’s $6 million A-League licence |url=https://www.sbs.com.au/sport/article/strikers-in-hunt-for-wellingtons-6-million-a-league-licence/4c391xmwd |access-date=2024-11-03 |website=SBS Sport |language=en}}</ref>
===Auckland===
In spite of the unsuccessful [[New Zealand Knights]], [[New Zealand]]'s current club, Wellington Phoenix has been relatively successful and the possibility of a second New Zealand team in the future has been raised, possibly playing home matches in [[Auckland]] or [[Christchurch]]. Previous matches in these cities have proved successful, with crowds of 15–20,000. Auckland Knights FC is the working name of an A-League expansion bid based in Auckland. In January 2013, veteran Auckland journalist Terry Maddaford and [[Auckland City FC]] President Ivan Vuksich stated expansion into Auckland remained unlikely unless lessons had been learned from the previously poor experiences of the New Zealand Knights. They commented on the need for a "hands-on" approach from investors, ones that would be close to the team, not managing from outside the country. Vuksich also commented on the fact that funding will always be an issue, that "sponsorship is almost impossible to get" and that "the New Zealand public are pretty fickle, they like to support winning teams."<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/news-display/auckland-expansion-remains-distant-hope/58935 |title=Auckland expansion remains a distant hope |access-date=29 January 2013 |archive-date=31 January 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130131023456/http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/news-display/auckland-expansion-remains-distant-hope/58935 |url-status=dead }}</ref> This comment drew the ire of many fans of the Wellington Phoenix, which has had a constant strong following throughout its A-League career despite often achieving only middling success.


=== Central Coast Mariners ===
In 2020 the Central Coast Mariner license was reportedly up for sale for $4 million with potential suitors including [[Manchester United F.C.|Manchester United]] with the club moving to [[Northern Sydney|North Sydney]] based out of either [[North Sydney Oval]] or [[Brookvale Oval]], a [[Brisbane]] consortium and a [[Canberra]] consortium.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bossi |first=Dominic |date=2021-04-12 |title=Manchester United in talks to buy Central Coast Mariners, and move them |url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/manchester-united-in-talks-to-buy-central-coast-mariners-and-move-them-20210412-p57ijh.html |access-date=2024-11-03 |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Smithies |first=Tom |last2=Kemp |first2=Emma |date=November 28, 2019 |title=Central Coast Mariners receive offers for A-League licence |url=https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/football/a-league/central-coast-mariners-receive-offers-for-aleague-licence/news-story/17c1cd022c49f3788b73ea7c351904d1}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Rugari |first=Vince |date=2020-08-04 |title=Yours for $4 million: Mariners could be relocated as owner puts club up for sale |url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/yours-for-4-million-mariners-could-be-relocated-as-owner-puts-club-up-for-sale-20200804-p55ia8.html |access-date=2024-11-03 |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |language=en}}</ref>

=== Melbourne Hearts ===
In 2013, prior to the acquisition of [[Melbourne City FC|Melbourne Hearts]] by the [[City Football Group]], [[South Melbourne FC|South Melbourne]] offered $3.5 million to purchase the license to play in the A-League.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2013-05-02 |title=South Melbourne FC launch bold multi-million dollar bid to buy A-League club Melbourne Heart |url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/football/a-league/south-melbourne-fc-launch-bold-multi-million-dollar-bid-to-buy-a-league-club-melbourne-heart/news-story/38fbecf32a41118e504549b514b00f9c |access-date=2024-11-03 |website=Fox Sports |language=en}}</ref>

==Prospective markets, and markets formerly under consideration==
===Brisbane===
===Brisbane===
The former NSL club [[Brisbane Strikers]] have expressed an interest in becoming the league's second team based in Brisbane and South East Queensland. The bid has attracted high-profile backers such as former A-League manager [[Miron Bleiberg]]. This would create a Brisbane Derby against the Brisbane Roar.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.foxsports.com.au/football/a-league/miron-bleiberg-backing-brisbane-strikers-for-aleague-licence/news-story/6222cc374452802ead41caa7817d9187 |title= Miron Bleiberg backing Brisbane Strikers for A-League licence |date= 8 November 2016 |work= [[Fox Sports]] |access-date=8 November 2016}}</ref>
Brisbane-based sides Brisbane City and Brisbane Strikers have previously expressed an interest in becoming the second A-League side for the city. An additional side would create a Brisbane Derby against Brisbane Roar.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.foxsports.com.au/football/a-league/miron-bleiberg-backing-brisbane-strikers-for-aleague-licence/news-story/6222cc374452802ead41caa7817d9187 |title= Miron Bleiberg backing Brisbane Strikers for A-League licence |date= 8 November 2016 |work= [[Fox Sports]] |access-date=8 November 2016}}</ref>


===Cairns===
===Cairns===
On 8 March 2014 it was announced that the [[National Premier Leagues]] outfit from [[Cairns]], the [[Far North Queensland FC|Far North Queensland Heat]] had signed a sponsorship deal with the Aquis project to help them achieve a [[National Youth League (Australia)|NYL]] team and an A-League licence.<ref>{{cite news|title=Sponsorship deal between Aquis and FNQ Heat|url=http://www.cairnspost.com.au/news/cairns/sponsorship-deal-betwee-42-billion-aquis-project-and-fnq-heat-soccer/story-fnjpusyw-1226848568506?sv=81f1bc7a985cb309367e187650f3cd77|newspaper=The Cairns Post|access-date=9 March 2014}}</ref> This came just days after it was announced that the Fung family had launched a $269 million takeover bid of the [[Reef Hotel Casino]] in the Cairns CBD and that their Aquis project worth $4.2 billion was to develop a mega-resort including a casino, nine hotels, theatres, a golf course, and a 25,000-seat stadium at the [[Yorkeys Knob]] site.<ref>{{cite news|title=Aquis $4.2 billion Yorkeys Knob mega-resort|url=http://www.cairnspost.com.au/business/aquis-42-billion-yorkeys-knob-mega-resort-and-casino-proponents-among-7-bidders-for-integrated-resort-developments/story-fnjpusdv-1226846618286|newspaper=The Cairns Post|access-date=9 March 2014}}</ref>
On 8 March 2014, it was announced that the [[Cairns]]-based [[National Premier Leagues]] outfit [[Cairns FC|Far North Queensland Heat]] had signed a sponsorship deal with the Aquis project to support their ambitions of securing an A-League licence.<ref>{{cite news |title=Sponsorship deal between Aquis and FNQ Heat |url=http://www.cairnspost.com.au/news/cairns/sponsorship-deal-betwee-42-billion-aquis-project-and-fnq-heat-soccer/story-fnjpusyw-1226848568506?sv=81f1bc7a985cb309367e187650f3cd77 |access-date=9 March 2014 |newspaper=The Cairns Post}}</ref> This announcement came just days after the Fung family launched a $269 million takeover bid for the [[The Reef Hotel Casino|Reef Hotel Casino]] in the [[Cairns City, Queensland|Cairns CBD]] and revealed their Aquis project—a $4.2 billion development to create a mega-resort at the [[Yorkeys Knob, Queensland|Yorkeys Knob]] site. The project included a casino, nine hotels, theatres, a golf course, and a 25,000-seat stadium.<ref>{{cite news |title=Aquis $4.2 billion Yorkeys Knob mega-resort |url=http://www.cairnspost.com.au/business/aquis-42-billion-yorkeys-knob-mega-resort-and-casino-proponents-among-7-bidders-for-integrated-resort-developments/story-fnjpusdv-1226846618286 |access-date=9 March 2014 |newspaper=The Cairns Post}}</ref>

=== Christchurch ===
The president of [[New Zealand National League]] side [[Christchurch United]] stated in 2023 that he would join a [[South Island]] A-League bid.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Stuff |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/football/a-league/133459221/christchurch-united-president-slava-meyn-interested-in-aleague-football-franchise-bid |access-date=2024-06-06 |website=www.stuff.co.nz}}</ref>


===Darwin===
===Darwin===
There is currently no [[Northern Territory]]-based team competing in any national competition other than the [[FFA Cup]]. In 2008 after successful A-League pre-season games were played in Darwin, the NT Government offered its support for a Darwin-based A-League bid.<ref>{{cite web|title=NT Government Moves to Secure A-League Matches|url=http://newsroom.nt.gov.au/www.newsroom.nt.gov.au/index2972.html?fuseaction=printRelease&ID=3587|publisher=newsroom.nt.gov.au|access-date=7 April 2013|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130627222214/http://newsroom.nt.gov.au/www.newsroom.nt.gov.au/index2972.html?fuseaction=printRelease&ID=3587|archive-date=27 June 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref>
There is currently no [[Northern Territory]]-based team competing in any national competition other than the Australia Cup. In 2008, after successful A-League pre-season games were played in Darwin, the [[Northern Territory Government|NT Government]] offered its support for a Darwin-based A-League bid.<ref>{{cite web|title=NT Government Moves to Secure A-League Matches|url=http://newsroom.nt.gov.au/www.newsroom.nt.gov.au/index2972.html?fuseaction=printRelease&ID=3587|publisher=newsroom.nt.gov.au|access-date=7 April 2013|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130627222214/http://newsroom.nt.gov.au/www.newsroom.nt.gov.au/index2972.html?fuseaction=printRelease&ID=3587|archive-date=27 June 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref>


===Geelong===
===Geelong===
With a strong soccer community in the area, the addition of another Victorian team into the A-League for [[Geelong]] has been long supported by key figures and locals alike in the Geelong region.<ref name="geelongadvertiser.com.au">{{cite web|title=Geelong ramps up bid for A-League side |url=http://www.geelongadvertiser.com.au/article/2008/03/20/12353_news.html |publisher=geelongadvertiser.com.au |access-date=7 April 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081007075857/http://www.geelongadvertiser.com.au/article/2008/03/20/12353_news.html |archive-date=7 October 2008}}</ref>
With a strong football community in the area, the addition of another Victorian team into the A-League for [[Geelong]] has been long supported by key figures and locals alike in the Geelong region.<ref name="geelongadvertiser.com.au">{{cite web|title=Geelong ramps up bid for A-League side |url=http://www.geelongadvertiser.com.au/article/2008/03/20/12353_news.html |publisher=geelongadvertiser.com.au |access-date=7 April 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081007075857/http://www.geelongadvertiser.com.au/article/2008/03/20/12353_news.html |archive-date=7 October 2008}}</ref>


In March 2008, mounting speculation suggested that a Geelong-based syndicate was working on a proposal for an A-League licence in the competition's next expansion period. Federal Labor MP [[Darren Cheeseman]] became one of the main advocates of a Geelong-based side going as far as launching a $20,000 feasibility study to find a location, design, and cost for a new regional soccer facility in the city.<ref name="geelongadvertiser.com.au"/> The City of Geelong said it was prepared to make Kardinia Park available for soccer with [[Geelong Football Club]] CEO Brian Cook saying a ground-sharing situation would work between the two codes. John Mitchell pointed to [[Newcastle Jets]]' grand final success in the third season of the A-League, saying Geelong had the capabilities to match its northern counterparts.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/skoko-backs-geelong-bid-for-a-league/story-e6frf9if-1111116375494| title = Story e6frf9if 1111116375494 {{!}} Herald Sun}}</ref>
In March 2008, mounting speculation suggested that a Geelong-based syndicate was working on a proposal for an A-League licence in the competition's next expansion period. Federal Labor MP [[Darren Cheeseman]] became one of the main advocates of a Geelong-based side going as far as launching a $20,000 feasibility study to find a location, design, and cost for a new regional football facility in the city.<ref name="geelongadvertiser.com.au"/> John Mitchell pointed to Newcastle Jets' grand final success in the third season of the A-League, saying Geelong had the capabilities to match its northern counterparts.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/skoko-backs-geelong-bid-for-a-league/story-e6frf9if-1111116375494| title = Story e6frf9if 1111116375494 {{!}} Herald Sun}}</ref>
A Consortium has met with the FFA since the middle of 2016 to discuss receiving an A-League franchise. Meetings are taking place between Geelong Council, The Victorian State Government and the Kardinia Park Trust.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/football/geelong-a-contender-to-join-an-expanded-aleague/news-story/a37691c633e388660c763fb488de413e| title = Heraldsun.com.au {{!}} Subscribe to the Herald Sun for exclusive stories}}</ref> In early 2017 the consortium announced it would be entering the race for expansion spots under the working title of Victoria Patriots. Former [[Socceroo]] [[Steve Horvat]] the spokesperson.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/football/a-league/geelong-consortium-announces-bid-for-aleague-franchise/news-story/952efde326e179ee017f019d44e6f4fc| title = Heraldsun.com.au {{!}} Subscribe to the Herald Sun for exclusive stories}}</ref><ref>https://www.facebook.com/VictoriaPatriotsFC/?fref=ts {{User-generated source|certain=yes|date=March 2022}}</ref>
In early 2017, the consortium announced it would be entering the race for expansion spots under the working title of Victoria Patriots, with stadium plans in Armstrong Creek.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2017-03-03 |title=Victoria Patriots reveal Geelong A-League stadium {{!}} Goal.com Australia |url=https://www.goal.com/en-au/news/victoria-patriots-press-on-with-geelong-stadium-plans/1bb1p5yglg3of1flsgph6dbjkq |access-date=2024-06-06 |website=www.goal.com |language=en-AU}}</ref> Former Socceroo [[Steve Horvat]] acted as the spokesman for the consortium.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/football/a-league/geelong-consortium-announces-bid-for-aleague-franchise/news-story/952efde326e179ee017f019d44e6f4fc| title = Heraldsun.com.au {{!}} Subscribe to the Herald Sun for exclusive stories}}</ref><ref>https://www.facebook.com/VictoriaPatriotsFC/?fref=ts {{User-generated source|certain=yes|date=March 2022}}</ref>


===Gold Coast===
=== Gold Coast ===
{{Further|Gold Coast A-League Bid}}
{{Further|Gold Coast A-League Bid}}


In November 2015 [[Gold Coast City FC]] was formed to represent the [[Gold Coast, Queensland|Gold Coast]] region in the [[National Premier Leagues Queensland|Queensland National Premier League]]. As a part of the club's creation, general manager Ben Mannion announced the club has intentions to enter the A-League as the second Gold Coast A-League franchise following the failure of the [[Gold Coast United FC]].
In November 2015 [[Gold Coast City FC|Gold Coast City]] was formed to represent the Gold Coast region in the Queensland National Premier League. As a part of the club's creation, general manager Ben Mannion announced the club has intentions to enter the A-League as the second Gold Coast A-League franchise following the failure of the Gold Coast United.


===Perth===
===Perth===
[[Football West]], the state governing body for [[association football|soccer]] in Western Australia, have expressed interest in securing a second A-League team in Perth, with Football West chairman Liam Twigger believing that a second Perth-based side would boost soccer's footprint in WA, increase interest in the A-League and would help double the number of opportunities for players, officials, coaches and fans to engage in the game.<ref>{{cite web|title=WA push for second Perth A-League team|url=https://au.sports.yahoo.com/football/a/32304924/wa-push-for-second-perth-a-league-team/|publisher=Yahoo|access-date=16 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160918080604/https://au.sports.yahoo.com/football/a/32304924/wa-push-for-second-perth-a-league-team/|archive-date=18 September 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Western Australia push to launch a second Perth A-League team|url=http://www.espnfc.com.au/australian-a-league/story/2927717/western-australia-push-to-launch-a-second-perth-a-league-team|website=ESPN FC|publisher=ESPN|access-date=16 August 2016}}</ref> Twigger stated that the potential side would go by the working title of the Black Swans – the nickname of the Western Australian State Team that is composed to play an annual friendly against current [[A-League]] side, [[Perth Glory FC|Perth Glory]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://thewest.com.au/sport/soccer/wa-to-have-second-a-league-team-in-three-years-ng-ya-115280|title=Football West push for second A-League licence|date=2016-08-11|work=The West Australian|access-date=2017-06-12|language=en-AU}}</ref> A second A-League franchise in Perth is believed to have to have the capacity to attract considerable support considering the popularity of the sport in Western Australia's capital, as well as many fans' disenchantment following recent administration scandals surrounding the Glory.
[[Football West]], the state governing body for football in Western Australia, have expressed interest in securing a second A-League team in Perth, with Football West chairman Liam Twigger believing that a second Perth-based side would boost the footprint of football in WA, increase interest in the A-League and would help double the number of opportunities for players, officials, coaches and fans to engage in the game.<ref>{{cite web|title=WA push for second Perth A-League team|url=https://au.sports.yahoo.com/football/a/32304924/wa-push-for-second-perth-a-league-team/|publisher=Yahoo|access-date=16 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160918080604/https://au.sports.yahoo.com/football/a/32304924/wa-push-for-second-perth-a-league-team/|archive-date=18 September 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Western Australia push to launch a second Perth A-League team|url=http://www.espnfc.com.au/australian-a-league/story/2927717/western-australia-push-to-launch-a-second-perth-a-league-team|website=ESPN FC|publisher=ESPN|access-date=16 August 2016}}</ref> Twigger stated that the potential side would go by the working title of the Black Swans – the nickname of the Western Australian State Team that is composed to play an annual friendly against current A-League side Perth Glory.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://thewest.com.au/sport/soccer/wa-to-have-second-a-league-team-in-three-years-ng-ya-115280|title=Football West push for second A-League licence|date=2016-08-11|work=The West Australian|access-date=2017-06-12|language=en-AU}}</ref> A second A-League franchise in Perth is believed to have to have the capacity to attract considerable support considering the popularity of the sport in Western Australia's capital, as well as many fans' disenchantment following recent administration scandals surrounding the Glory.


===South East Asia===
===South East Asia===
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===Sunshine Coast===
===Sunshine Coast===
[[Sunshine Coast F.C.]], who currently play in the [[Queensland State League (association football)|Queensland State League]], have expressed interest in joining the A-League, indicating a five-year plan in late 2012. The club currently plays at [[Stockland Park]], though the stadium would need expansion to meet A-League standards. Sunshine Coast F.C. Director Noel Woodall has noted that there are already plans in place to turn the ground into a premier boutique stadium, with an undercover seating capacity of 10 000 and a total capacity of 15 000 or more. He says that it is part of the club's long-term strategy to join the A-League.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/249803,let-the-sunshine-in-to-a-league.aspx |title=Let the Sunshine in to A-League? - Australia News - Australian FourFourTwo - the Ultimate Football Website |access-date=2012-09-03 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120906084642/http://au.fourfourtwo.com:80/news/249803,let-the-sunshine-in-to-a-league.aspx |archive-date=6 September 2012}}</ref>
Sunshine Coast, who currently play in the [[Queensland State League (association football)|Queensland State League]], have expressed interest in joining the A-League, unveiling a five-year plan in late-2012.<ref>{{cite web |title=Let the Sunshine in to A-League? - Australia News - Australian FourFourTwo - the Ultimate Football Website |url=http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/249803,let-the-sunshine-in-to-a-league.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120906084642/http://au.fourfourtwo.com:80/news/249803,let-the-sunshine-in-to-a-league.aspx |archive-date=6 September 2012 |access-date=2012-09-03}}</ref>

===Sydney Rovers (2011)===
{{Main|Sydney Rovers FC}}
In 2009, a 12th licence was awarded to Sydney Rovers. The club soon became defunct afterwards and the FFA withdrew the license and gave it instead to [[Western Sydney Wanderers FC]].


===Townsville===
===Townsville===
North Queensland Fury was renamed [[Northern Fury FC|Northern Fury]] in 2012 and reformed to compete in the [[National Premier League Queensland|NPL Queensland]]. So far Fury home matches have drawn capacity crowds of up to 2500 at Townsville Sports Reserve, and the club plans a return to the A-League within five years, with a [[A-League National Youth League|National Youth League]] team to be established prior to that.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/news-display/fury-rising-again-in-townsville/64875 |title=Fury rising again in Townsville - David Hall - Football Australia 2013 |website=www.footballaustralia.com.au |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130410080324/http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/news-display/Fury-rising-again-in-Townsville/64875 |archive-date=2013-04-10}}</ref> The Fury have been active advocating the FFA for creating a framework for expansion.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.fourfourtwo.com.au/news/fury-calls-for-expansion-clarity-441314| url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20161118020325/http://www.fourfourtwo.com.au/news/fury-calls-for-expansion-clarity-441314| archive-date = 2016-11-18| title = Fury calls for expansion clarity - Australian FourFourTwo}}</ref>
North Queensland Fury was founded in 2008, joining the A-League the same year. However, in 2011, the club was removed from the league due to financial instability. In 2012, a second reincarnation of the club was formed to compete in the NPL Queensland.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/news-display/fury-rising-again-in-townsville/64875 |title=Fury rising again in Townsville - David Hall - Football Australia 2013 |website=www.footballaustralia.com.au |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130410080324/http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/news-display/Fury-rising-again-in-Townsville/64875 |archive-date=2013-04-10}}</ref> Fury have been active advocating the FFA for creating a framework for expansion.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.fourfourtwo.com.au/news/fury-calls-for-expansion-clarity-441314| url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20161118020325/http://www.fourfourtwo.com.au/news/fury-calls-for-expansion-clarity-441314| archive-date = 2016-11-18| title = Fury calls for expansion clarity - Australian FourFourTwo}}</ref>


==See also==
==See also==
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{{A-League Men}}
{{A-League Men}}


[[Category:A-League Men]]
[[Category:Expansion of the A-League Men| ]]
[[Category:Expansion of the A-League Men| ]]

Latest revision as of 07:49, 11 December 2024

The Expansion of the A-League Men is the ongoing process of establishing new clubs in the A-League Men. The A-League Men was established to replace the National Soccer League as the top division in the Australian football league system. It is the only professional football league in the country. Founded in 2004 with eight teams commencing competition in the 2005–06 season, the league has since expanded into new markets across Australia and New Zealand. From the 2024–25 A-League Men season, 13 clubs will compete in the league, after Auckland Football Club was granted an expansion license.

There is also a long term prospect of teams being added to the A-League Men from a second division that involves Promotion and relegation. Football Australia and the Association of Australian Football Clubs, a group of clubs that currently exist in the state & regional "Member Federations" have been working to implement a second division team with an eventual goal that a football pyramid that would see clubs move between the A-League Men & the second tier, and between the second tier & state leagues.[1]

Initial teams

[edit]
Progression of A-League Men Expansion
Season # Teams
2005–06 8
2006–07
2007–08
2008–09
2009–10 10
2010–11 11
2011–12 10
2012–13
2013–14
2014–15
2015–16
2016–17
2017–18
2018–19
2019–20 11
2020–21 12
2021–22
2022–23
2023–24
2024–25 13
2025–26 14

Football Federation Australia (FFA) exercised caution when forming the A-League Men in early 2004; in terms of selecting who was to be part of the new league. FFA decided upon a 'one city – one team' principle in order to protect the initial development of the foundation clubs.

The initial eight teams selected were Adelaide United, Brisbane Roar (formerly Queensland Roar), Central Coast Mariners, Melbourne Victory, Newcastle Jets, Perth Glory, Sydney and New Zealand Knights. Of these 8 clubs, only the New Zealand Knights have failed to survive, folding after the 2006–07 season.

Expansion

[edit]

Before the introduction of the A-League Men, FFA chairman Frank Lowy speculated that he hoped to expand the league into other cities, citing Adelaide, Canberra, Hobart, Wollongong, Coffs Harbour, Geelong, Bendigo, Cairns, Ballarat, Albury-Wodonga, Launceston, Christchurch, Auckland, Sunshine Coast and Darwin.[2][3][4][5]

In late October 2006, as a result of low crowd attendance at North Harbour Stadium in Auckland and continual poor on-field performances, rumours began to circulate that the FFA was considering revoking the A-League licence of the only New Zealand based A-League club, New Zealand Knights, and granting it to a new club that would enter the competition in the 2007–08 season.[6] The FFA had continued to express angst at low attendance numbers, poor on-field performance and the lack of domestically developed players.

On 14 December, the FFA announced that it had revoked the competition licence held by the Knights' owners,[7] and on 19 March 2007 after several delays,[8] Wellington Phoenix was selected as the successor to the New Zealand Knights.[9]

In 2009, the league expanded in Gold Coast with the new club Gold Coast United and in Townsville with the club North Queensland Fury. Expansion into these new regions was seen as critical to the success of the 2022 Australian FIFA World Cup bid. In 2011, after the failed bid, North Queensland Fury was removed from the league due to financial instability. In 2012 Fury re-formed to participate in the National Premier League Queensland.[10] In 2012, the FFA revoked Clive Palmer's Gold Coast United A-League licence.[11]

After Melbourne Victory announced they would not be playing at the new Melbourne Rectangular Stadium unless it had a capacity of at least 30,000, the Victorian Government suggested a second Melbourne team would play there. A consortium of investors made it clear that an operating budget of 5 to 6 million dollars per annum was feasible and a letter of interest from the football club had been sent to the FFA.

In June 2008, it was revealed that three separate consortiums were bidding for second Melbourne franchise licence.[12] In September, a bid led by Victorian businessman Peter Sidwell, operating under the working title Melbourne Heart Syndicate, received exclusive negotiating rights for an A-League licence. Sidwell's group was awarded the licence to join the 2010–11 season on 12 June 2009.[13] The new club was named Melbourne Heart Football Club. Prior to the start of the 2014–15 season, the club was acquired by the City Football Group, subsequently being rebranded as Melbourne City.

The club was intended to be the 12th official franchise in the A-League, joining the league in the 2011–12 season. Ian Rowden's group was awarded the licence on 29 September 2009. However, the team folded before playing a single game, and on 10 December 2010, the licence was formally withdrawn by the FFA.

After the scrapping of Sydney Rovers in 2010, the FFA approached the Greater Western Sydney Football Group, one of the unsuccessful bidders in the second expansion round, to assess their readiness to enter the competition in the 2012–13 season. The proposed team, based at Stadium Australia in Homebush and named "The Wanderers," was considered. However, after consultations, the idea was ultimately abandoned.

On 4 April 2012, FFA CEO Ben Buckley announced the introduction of a new Sydney club, Western Sydney Wanderers, for the 2012–13 season, supported by an $8 million federal grant.[14] Initially owned by the FFA due to the lack of a backer, the club was later sold to a consortium of businessmen led by Paul Lederer in June 2014.[15]

Western United and Macarthur (2019 and 2020)

[edit]

In November 2016, A-League chief Greg O'Rourke outlined a timetable for the possible addition of two new teams for the 2018–19 season. Bids were explored by several clubs and consortia, including those from Perth, Brisbane, Southern Sydney, Sunshine Coast, Hobart, Auckland, South East Melbourne, South Melbourne, Canberra, and Wollongong.[16] The FFA later confirmed that two clubs would be added to the league for the 2019–20 season.[17] Initially, up to 15 bids were submitted, but by mid-2018, the number was reduced to 10.[18] By the end of August 2018, the FFA had accepted bids from eight consortiums representing the following locations: South West Sydney Macarthur, Southern Expansion (Sydney), Wollongong Wolves, Team 11 (South-East Melbourne), South Melbourne, Western Melbourne Group, Ipswich (Queensland), and Canberra.[19] In October 2018, this group was narrowed down further to just six bids, with Wollongong and Ipswich eliminated from contention.[20]

In December 2018, the FFA announced the acceptance of Western United's bid, with the team joining the league in the 2019–20 season and playing at Kardinia Park in Geelong for their first three seasons while Wyndham City Stadium is constructed in Tarneit. The second accepted bid was from Macarthur, who joined the league in the 2020–21 season.[21]

Auckland and Canberra (2024)

[edit]

In March 2023, the Australian Professional Leagues (APL), which has since taken over administration and ownership of the A-League from Football Australia (formerly known as the FFA), announced that the next two expansion clubs would be based in Canberra and Auckland.[22]

In October, the APL confirmed that it intended to award the Auckland license to the owner of Premier League club AFC Bournemouth, Bill Foley, subject to regulatory approval.[23] The following month, it was confirmed that the license had been awarded to Foley, with the men's side to join the A-League Men from the 2024–25 season, whilst a women's side will join the A-League Women the following season.[24]

On 14 March 2024, Auckland were officially launched, with their name, logo, identity and nickname, the Black Knights, revealed.[25]

Bidding process in 2004

[edit]

Brisbane Strikers

[edit]

Queensland Strikers were one of the twelve teams that bid for the A-League, backed by the NSL team Brisbane Strikers.[26] They were beaten by the other Brisbane bid, the Queensland Lions (now Brisbane Roar). Many fans of the Strikers disagreed with this decision and thought that supporting the Lions would be uncomfortable.[27]

Marconi Stallions

[edit]

In 2004, a group of Marconi Stallions owners tried to secure a license for the inaugural league.[28] They were considered top contenders to join the league alongside South Melbourne.[29]

Melbourne Dragons

[edit]

Melbourne Dragons initially tried to start an NSL club, but following the demise of the league the attempted to join the A-League. The group was led by Liu Bing and planned to play out of either, Lakeside Stadium, Olympic Park Stadium, Princes Park or Docklands Stadium.[30]

Melbourne United

[edit]

An additional Melbourne-based bid was submitted under the name of Melbourne United, with plans to draw from the Melbourne Knights.[31]

South Melbourne

[edit]

When the A-League started, South Melbourne announced that it had ambitions to join the league and that they deserved to be in the league.[32][33] They were seen as top contenders for the new league.[29]

Sydney Blues

[edit]

Sydney Blues was a bid by consortium led by Nick Poltis and the Sydney Roosters, who formerly bankrolled Sydney Olympic.[34] Harry Kewell also supported the bid.[35]

Victorian Soccer Federation

[edit]

One of the 12 bids the Australian Soccer Association received was revealed to be backed by the Victorian Soccer Federation (now Football Victoria).[26] The bid had ties with AC Milan.[36]

Wollongong Wolves

[edit]

Wollongong Wolves were amongst the teams considered for the new national league.[37]

Bidding process in 2008

[edit]

Canberra

[edit]

A-League4Canberra was a bid led by TransACT CEO Ivan Slavich, with notable foundation members including former Socceroos Carl Valeri and Ned Zelic.[38] The bid aimed to play games at Canberra Stadium. However, following low attendance at A-League games held there, doubts about the viability of the bid emerged.[39]

On 10 May 2012, with the FFA announcing that A-League expansion beyond ten teams was on hold until 2015 in the wake of the establishment of a West Sydney-based side in time for the 2012–2013 season, A-League4Canberra suspended its efforts to secure a team for the Australian capital city, and the bid group was wound up.[40] There was no connection to Capital Football owned and operated W-League club Canberra United.

Gold Coast Galaxy

[edit]

The other Gold Coast bid backed by Fred Taplin, failed to beat out Clive Palmer's Gold Coast United bid.[41] The bid also had ties to MLS team LA Galaxy.[42]

Melbourne City

[edit]

Not to be confused with the current A-League side Melbourne City, a Melbourne-based bid under the name of Melbourne City was led by businessman Colin De Lutis. He claimed support from several prominent Melbourne businessmen, including Collingwood President Eddie McGuire. Melbourne Victory shareholder Joe Mirabella was also associated with the bid.[43]

Northern Thunder

[edit]

The first bid for the Townsville A-League license was backed by Melissa Fischer and went under the name Northern Thunder.[44] However, the bid did not raise the capital needed to be granted the license.[45]

Penrith

[edit]

Led by Nepean District Soccer Football Association alongside local businessmen. The bid also had the backing of the Penrith Panthers and would play in Penrith Stadium.[46]

South Coast Football

[edit]

In 2008, South Coast Football, led by Eddy De Gabriele and inspired by Wollongong City Council, launched a bid to join the A-League.[47][48] Former Socceroos Scott Chipperfield and Tim Cahill both supported the bid, with plans to establish a football academy in the region.[49] Additionally, Bruce Gordon, Australia's 14th wealthiest person, was rumoured to have backed the bid.[50]

Southern Cross

[edit]

Formed by former South Melbourne president Jim Marinos, Southern Cross planned to base their operations out of Casey Fields, similar to the Melbourne Heart bid.[12]

Tasmania United

[edit]

A taskforce started by Football Tasmania, led by businessman John McGirr was started to find funding for an A-League team in Tasmania.[51][52] The name Tasmania United was registered by the taskforce and it was suggested that the team play games in both Hobart and Launceston alongside joining the league in the 2011/12 season.[53][54][55] Sheik Mohammed Hussein Ali Al Amoudi was also linked with the bid.[56] Andrew Wilkie also supported building a stadium at Macquaire Point before the AFL stadium was set built there.[57]

Bidding process in 2018

[edit]

Belgravia Leisure

[edit]

Backed by Geoff Lord, the bid planned on being based in inner-Melbourne.[58]

Brisbane City FC

[edit]

Brisbane City was the only Brisbane-based bid for the A-League after Brisbane Strikers withdrew from the process.[59] The bid went under the name Brisbane City Gladiators and planned on playing in a refurbished Ballymore Stadium.[60] Their bid was not included in the final eight bid shortlist considered by the FFA in 2018.[19]

Brisbane Strikers

[edit]

Brisbane Strikers pulled out of the bidding process before the deadline citing issues with Football Australia. The bid planned on playing out of an upgraded Perry Park.[61]

Canberra

[edit]

The second Canberra A-League bid, CBR & Capital Region A-League Bid, first started fact finding operations following FFA chairman, Steven Lowey, telling the media in October 2016 that the FFA was planning on a new round of expansion for the A-League.[62][63] In 2017, the FFA cooled on the idea of expansion and the Canberra bid remained dormant.[64]

In February 2018, the FFA formally announced the A-League would expand to 12 teams and opened up expressions of interests (EOI).[65]

CBR & Capital Region A-League Bid, officially submitted its EOI and launched its bid in May 2018 along with fourteen other bids.[66] The bid leader was revealed to be ONTHEGO Sportswear employee Michael Caggiano. The bid team revealed the new Canberra bid would be built around a community ownership model using the DFB and Bundesliga principles of 50+1, with the community owning the majority of the voting rights.[67] The bid was shortlisted by the FFA on 29 June 2018 and progressed to the next more detailed submission phase along with nine other bids.[68]

The Canberra and broader region bid was included in the final eight bids considered by the FFA in 2018,[19] though it eventually lost out to Western Melbourne and South West/Macarthur. Despite this setback, the consortium has since stated they are "confident" of entering the A-League by late 2020 after discussions with the FFA, with the prospect of either joining the league as the 13th active club or perhaps replacing the New Zealand-based Wellington Phoenix.[69]

On 25 August 2020, the previous Canberra bidding team announced a new proposal to obtain a licence for a Canberra-based A-League team had been submitted to the FFA. The new bid was named Capital Region Football Collective (CRFC). The official proposal submitted had multi-million dollar backing from local and international sources. The proposal sought a licence to be issued with a view for a team to enter the league in the 2021/22 season. The bid team expressed their desire to secure the 13th A-League licence, however they would also be open to buying out the Central Coast Mariners’ licence if the FFA did not want to issue a new licence.[70] Mike Charlesworth had put the Mariners licence up for sale a week earlier.[71] The Canberra bidding team stipulated a condition of a four to six week timeframe on receiving a final answer from the FFA.[70]

Fremantle City

[edit]

Fremantle City was the only Perth-based bid for the A-League and planned to play out of a redeveloped Fremantle Oval. The bid was reportedly in contact with Juventus regarding a football partnership.[72][73]

Gold Coast

[edit]

In August 2017 it was announced that previous A-League club Gold Coast United had been reformed to represent the Gold Coast region in the Queensland National Premier League. As a part of the club's revival, chairman Danny Maher announced the club has intentions to re-enter the A-League and the W-League. Gold Coast was not included in the final eight bids considered by the FFA.[19]

Ipswich/Western Pride

[edit]

Expansion into the Western suburbs of Brisbane has been boosted by the growth in population projected over the coming decades. Ipswich Mayor Paul Pisasale promised in August 2013 to build a 15,000-seat stadium at North Ipswich Oval if a licence was secured.[74] The region's bid for an A-League expansion position is further helped by the strong community ties of current NPL Queensland side Western Pride.[75] The bid was included in the eight bids considered by the FFA in August 2018, though later rejected by the FFA in October 2018.[19][20] There were also meetings between the Brisbane Strikers and the Ipswich bid playing out of stadium in Springfield.[76]

Team 11 (South East Melbourne)

[edit]

A Victorian-based consortium, Team 11, bid for an A-League licence, with the team aiming to represent and play in Melbourne's South East, becoming the third A-league franchise in the state.[77] The bid was assisted by the multicultural population of 1,700,000+ people residing in the region, which includes a high football participation rate. The region has also been left out of most national sporting competitions, including AFL, NRL, and until 2019, the NBL.

The six biggest football clubs in the local government areas of the Casey and Dandenong regions united for an official A-League bid in late 2016.[78] The region is considered one of Australia's fastest-growing in terms of population.[79]

On 30 April 2018, the bid announced an intended home stadium location, to be located next to Dandenong railway station on the site of the former stock yards.[80] Casey Fields would be used as the club's training ground and administration base.[81][82] South East Melbourne was included in the final eight bids considered by the FFA in 2018,[19][83] but ultimately failed because of concerns about the consortium's ability to fund the ambitious project[84]

South Melbourne

[edit]

Former NSL powerhouse and OFC Team of the Century South Melbourne launched a bid to receive an expansion license for the 2018–19 A-League season. The club argued it had an advantage by possessing the required $5 million capital, access to the Lakeside Stadium and ability to simultaneously launch a W-League team.[85] South Melbourne was included in the final eight bids considered by the FFA in 2018.[19]

South West Sydney FC

[edit]

The other half to the eventually successful South West Sydney/Macarthur bid, this bid had support from the Mayor of Liverpool Ned Mannoun with plans to build a 35,000 seat stadium in Liverpool and potential backing from Femway Sports Group, owners of Liverpool FC.[86][87]

Southern Sydney

[edit]

Southern Sydney has been identified by the FFA as a possible site for future expansion. The club would likely be based between the Illawarra and Sutherland Shire and include the St George area of Southern Sydney.[88] The area has a large number of junior soccer players but may be seen as encroaching on Sydney's and to a lesser extent Western Sydney Wanderers's supporter bases. By mid-2018, an additional bid had emerged, developing into a joint venture between South West Sydney and Macarthur. Both Southern Sydney and South West Sydney/Macarthur were included in the final eight bids considered by the FFA in 2018, with the latter bid being successful.[19]

Sunshine Coast

[edit]

A consortium led by Indian billionaire, Nirav Tripathi, planned on joining the A-League with a team based in the Sunshine Coast. The bid received support from NPL team Sunshine Coast and included plans to play games at the Sunshine Coast Stadium.[89]

Tasmania

[edit]

In October 2007, Football Federation Tasmania CEO Martin Shaw suggested that Tasmania would be a viable location for an A-League club, mentioning the fact that it would need support from state and local government. It has been suggested that such a team would play games in both Hobart and Launceston.[54][55]

In 2008, a Tasmanian Football Taskforce was formed to investigate an A-League bid.[51][52] The Taskforce officially registered Tasmania United Football Club and submitted a bid for the 2011–12 season,[53] launching the bid to the media on 25 November.[90] A sheikh from Dubai was linked with Tasmania's bid for an A-League team.[56]

A Tasmania state representative team was formed and subsequently played friendlies, with one including a game against Melbourne Victory. A survey on the Tasmania United website found that the nickname "Wolves" was the most popular name amongst supporters of the consortium.[91] Tasmania's bid was rejected by the FFA at the middle stage of the bidding process, in June 2018.[18]

West Adelaide

[edit]

Former NSL team West Adelaide announced an intention to enter the league as a second Adelaide team with advances made to make former Liverpool player Robbie Fowler their manager.[92] There were rumours that there was an Adelaide City backed bid called Adelaide 11.[93] West Adelaide was not included in the final eight bids considered by the FFA in 2018.[19] The chairman of West Adelaide stated that this was due to the geographic area of the bid.[94]

Wollongong

[edit]

By 2016, Wollongong Wolves had begun to build momentum to push for admission into the A-League.[95] An Australia Cup round of 32 tie against Sydney on 10 August 2016 (a Wednesday evening) attracted a crowd in excess of 9,000, demonstrating the potential of the Wolves. A Wolves submission was included in the eight bids considered by the FFA in August 2018, though later rejected by the FFA the following October.[19][20]

Relocation

[edit]

Wellington Phoenix

[edit]

In 2018, the Wellington Phoenix license was up for sale for $6 million and there were many different suitors including South Melbourne, Brisbane Strikers, Southern Sydney, and South West Sydney, all of which were bidding for the two A-League expansion slots in 2018.[96]

Central Coast Mariners

[edit]

In 2020 the Central Coast Mariner license was reportedly up for sale for $4 million with potential suitors including Manchester United with the club moving to North Sydney based out of either North Sydney Oval or Brookvale Oval, a Brisbane consortium and a Canberra consortium.[97][98][99]

Melbourne Hearts

[edit]

In 2013, prior to the acquisition of Melbourne Hearts by the City Football Group, South Melbourne offered $3.5 million to purchase the license to play in the A-League.[100]

Prospective markets, and markets formerly under consideration

[edit]

Brisbane

[edit]

Brisbane-based sides Brisbane City and Brisbane Strikers have previously expressed an interest in becoming the second A-League side for the city. An additional side would create a Brisbane Derby against Brisbane Roar.[101]

Cairns

[edit]

On 8 March 2014, it was announced that the Cairns-based National Premier Leagues outfit Far North Queensland Heat had signed a sponsorship deal with the Aquis project to support their ambitions of securing an A-League licence.[102] This announcement came just days after the Fung family launched a $269 million takeover bid for the Reef Hotel Casino in the Cairns CBD and revealed their Aquis project—a $4.2 billion development to create a mega-resort at the Yorkeys Knob site. The project included a casino, nine hotels, theatres, a golf course, and a 25,000-seat stadium.[103]

Christchurch

[edit]

The president of New Zealand National League side Christchurch United stated in 2023 that he would join a South Island A-League bid.[104]

Darwin

[edit]

There is currently no Northern Territory-based team competing in any national competition other than the Australia Cup. In 2008, after successful A-League pre-season games were played in Darwin, the NT Government offered its support for a Darwin-based A-League bid.[105]

Geelong

[edit]

With a strong football community in the area, the addition of another Victorian team into the A-League for Geelong has been long supported by key figures and locals alike in the Geelong region.[106]

In March 2008, mounting speculation suggested that a Geelong-based syndicate was working on a proposal for an A-League licence in the competition's next expansion period. Federal Labor MP Darren Cheeseman became one of the main advocates of a Geelong-based side going as far as launching a $20,000 feasibility study to find a location, design, and cost for a new regional football facility in the city.[106] John Mitchell pointed to Newcastle Jets' grand final success in the third season of the A-League, saying Geelong had the capabilities to match its northern counterparts.[107]

In early 2017, the consortium announced it would be entering the race for expansion spots under the working title of Victoria Patriots, with stadium plans in Armstrong Creek.[108] Former Socceroo Steve Horvat acted as the spokesman for the consortium.[109][110]

Gold Coast

[edit]

In November 2015 Gold Coast City was formed to represent the Gold Coast region in the Queensland National Premier League. As a part of the club's creation, general manager Ben Mannion announced the club has intentions to enter the A-League as the second Gold Coast A-League franchise following the failure of the Gold Coast United.

Perth

[edit]

Football West, the state governing body for football in Western Australia, have expressed interest in securing a second A-League team in Perth, with Football West chairman Liam Twigger believing that a second Perth-based side would boost the footprint of football in WA, increase interest in the A-League and would help double the number of opportunities for players, officials, coaches and fans to engage in the game.[111][112] Twigger stated that the potential side would go by the working title of the Black Swans – the nickname of the Western Australian State Team that is composed to play an annual friendly against current A-League side Perth Glory.[113] A second A-League franchise in Perth is believed to have to have the capacity to attract considerable support considering the popularity of the sport in Western Australia's capital, as well as many fans' disenchantment following recent administration scandals surrounding the Glory.

South East Asia

[edit]

A detailed plan was revealed to have been rejected by former FFA chairman Frank Lowy which would have seen the A-League expand to a 16–20 team league administered in Australia with the additional teams based in South East Asia.[114]

Sunshine Coast

[edit]

Sunshine Coast, who currently play in the Queensland State League, have expressed interest in joining the A-League, unveiling a five-year plan in late-2012.[115]

Townsville

[edit]

North Queensland Fury was founded in 2008, joining the A-League the same year. However, in 2011, the club was removed from the league due to financial instability. In 2012, a second reincarnation of the club was formed to compete in the NPL Queensland.[116] Fury have been active advocating the FFA for creating a framework for expansion.[117]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
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