New Zealand will officially have a second football team in both A-Leagues Men’s and Women’s competitions.
The Australian Professional Leagues (APL) confirmed on Tuesday afternoon that the bid had been successful and will grant Auckland a Men’s team in the 2024/25 season, whilst the Women’s side will join the following season.
The Auckland bid was led by famous businessman Bill Foley, founder of Black Knight Football Club, a corporation that owns Premier League side AFC Bournemouth and NHL outfit the Vegas Golden Knights.
In a statement released by the A-Leagues, Foley said: “It’s an honour to bring a top football club to Auckland.
The A League is officially coming to Auckland! Name to be announced in the coming weeks.@SEN_Football | #AKLFootball24 pic.twitter.com/5hZ2XVnmFy
— SENZ (@SENZ_Radio) November 21, 2023
“Building a championship team from expansion has been my most exhilarating professional achievement, and I aim to do the same for the fans of New Zealand and particularly the community on the north island.
“It’s a special place and an area that I know will embrace this team.”
The A-leagues are also expected to confirm the entry of a Canberra-based team into the Men’s competition in the coming weeks.