As for another franchise coming into the ASBP - I've heard it's most likely to be South Auckland United playing at Mangere. However knowing how NZF dicked around a worthy franchise big a few seasons back by a North Shore consortium I wouldn't hold my breath that they'll do anything to actually strengthen the ASBP. NZF's indifference to our national league is boundless. Both a Nix reserve team and the Wanderers should not be in it. Send the full Under 20 side on tours like the coming one to China if they want to prepare them. Their participation in the 2013/14 ASBP was a joke.
The Phoenix reserves should stick to playing friendlies against ASBP sides if they want game time. Or better still, get into the Australian reserve competition where they belong, being they're an Australian registered club. And get eligibility to play in the Asian Champions League to boot! It's FFA who have dumped on the Phoenix by excluding them from reserve and ACL competitions, why should the ASBP have to pick up the pieces? Wellnix don't invest in the ASBP, It's ACFC who carry the burden by winning the O League pot of gold which keeps the ASBP going.