What Teams Are in the Australian A-League?

4 min.

What Teams Are in the Australian A-League?

The Australian A-League Men, established in 2004, has evolved into a premier football competition, showcasing top-tier talent from Australia and New Zealand. Over the years, the league has undergone significant expansion, adding new teams to increase competition and boost the sport’s popularity.

As of the 2024–25 season, the A-League Men comprises 13 teams, with the recent addition of Auckland FC marking a major milestone in its expansion. This development strengthens the league’s presence in New Zealand while ensuring a more competitive and diverse footballing landscape.

In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the current teams in the A-League Men, the history of league expansion, and what the future holds for Australia’s premier football competition.

Page Contents

A-League Men: A Snapshot

The A-League Men is the top-tier professional football league in Australia and New Zealand. It operates under the governance of the Australian Professional Leagues (APL) and is officially sanctioned by Football Australia.

Geographical Distribution of Teams

11 teams from Australia
2 teams from New Zealand (Wellington Phoenix and the newly added Auckland FC)

The inclusion of Auckland FC in the 2024–25 season underscores the league’s commitment to broadening its reach, increasing the number of teams, and enhancing the overall competitive landscape.

Current Teams in the A-League Men (2024–25 Season)

As of the 2024–25 season, the A-League Men consists of 13 teams, spread across various cities in Australia and New Zealand:

Australian Teams (11 Teams)

Adelaide United – Adelaide, South Australia
Brisbane Roar – Brisbane, Queensland
Central Coast Mariners – Gosford, New South Wales
Macarthur FC – Campbelltown, New South Wales
Melbourne City – Melbourne, Victoria
Melbourne Victory – Melbourne, Victoria
Newcastle Jets – Newcastle, New South Wales
Perth Glory – Perth, Western Australia
Sydney FC – Sydney, New South Wales
Western Sydney Wanderers – Sydney, New South Wales
Western United – Wyndham, Victoria

New Zealand Teams (2 Teams)

Wellington Phoenix – Wellington, New Zealand
Auckland FC – Auckland, New Zealand (Newest team added in the 2024–25 season)

This diverse lineup reflects the league’s strategic expansion and its dedication to developing football talent across both Australia and New Zealand.

Historical Context and Evolution of the A-League

The A-League Men was officially launched in 2005, replacing the former National Soccer League (NSL). The NSL had been Australia’s top-flight football competition from 1977 to 2004, but its financial struggles and lack of mainstream appeal led to the creation of a revamped professional league.

Original A-League Teams (2005)

When the league started, it featured eight foundation teams:

Adelaide United
Brisbane Roar (formerly Queensland Roar)
Central Coast Mariners
Melbourne Victory
Newcastle Jets
Perth Glory
Sydney FC
New Zealand Knights (replaced by Wellington Phoenix in 2007)

Over the years, the league expanded, with new clubs added to increase competitiveness and fan engagement.

Major Expansion Milestones

Season	New Teams Added
2007–08	Wellington Phoenix (replaced New Zealand Knights)
2009–10	Gold Coast United, North Queensland Fury (both later dissolved)
2010–11	Melbourne Heart (rebranded to Melbourne City in 2014)
2012–13	Western Sydney Wanderers
2019–20	Western United
2020–21	Macarthur FC
2024–25	Auckland FC (Newest team added)

The latest expansion with Auckland FC in 2024 highlights the A-League’s commitment to growing the game in New Zealand.

Recent Developments: The Addition of Auckland FC

One of the most significant developments in A-League history has been the addition of Auckland FC as the 13th team in the competition.

Why Was Auckland FC Chosen?

✅ Growing Football Popularity in New Zealand – Football is one of the fastest-growing sports in New Zealand.
✅ Stronger Rivalry – Auckland FC adds a natural rivalry with Wellington Phoenix, increasing interest in the competition.
✅ Bigger Fan Base – Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city, provides a huge market for football expansion.
✅ Financial Stability – The club has strong financial backing, ensuring sustainability.

Auckland FC’s introduction balances the league by adding a second team from New Zealand, similar to how Melbourne and Sydney have multiple teams.

Future Outlook: Is More Expansion on the Horizon?

With the league now at 13 teams, speculation has begun about further expansion.

Potential Locations for Future A-League Teams

Canberra (Australian Capital Territory) – A growing football market with strong fan interest.
Tasmania (Hobart or Launceston) – A-League officials have hinted at bringing football to Tasmania.
Second Brisbane Team – To further intensify Queensland’s football presence.
Another New Zealand Team – Possibly in Christchurch or Wellington.
Perth Second Team – A move to increase Western Australia’s representation.

While no official announcements have been made, A-League expansion remains a key focus for league administrators.

Why Expansion Is Important for the A-League

The addition of teams like Auckland FC is part of a bigger strategy to:

✅ Increase Fan Engagement – More teams mean more local rivalries, leading to higher attendance and TV ratings.
✅ Enhance Competition – More teams create greater depth in the league, improving overall match quality.
✅ Develop Young Talent – Expansion allows more Australian and New Zealand players to play at the professional level.
✅ Attract Bigger Investments – A larger league draws more sponsorship deals and broadcasting revenue.

As the league grows, it will continue to evolve, attracting more international stars, improving club infrastructure, and solidifying its position in the global football landscape.

Conclusion: A-League’s Growth and Exciting Future

The A-League Men has grown significantly since its inception in 2005, expanding from 8 teams to 13 as of the 2024–25 season.

Current Team Count: 13
Newest Team: Auckland FC (2024)
Geographical Reach: 11 Australian teams, 2 New Zealand teams
Possible Future Expansions: Canberra, Tasmania, Second Brisbane Team, Another New Zealand Club

The inclusion of Auckland FC is a testament to the league’s ambition and growth. As football continues to rise in popularity across Australia and New Zealand, we can expect even more exciting developments in the coming years.