The Nix already have some commercial sponsors in Auckland. Seems those same sponsors require the Nix to take 1-2 games a season to Auckland as part of the deal. Those same sponsors may now decide it makes more sense to sponsor the local ALM club. Domey has already raised that as a potential concern.
Could be partly why the Nix seem so eager with this new Chinese opportunity. From 2026 when the new shiny ChCh CBD stadium opens (looks a very cool design) can see the Nix taking 'home' games there, and that may open new commercial opportunities, ie they look south rather than north. They do have a lot of Cantabs now in both their mens & womens teams.
But yeah you are right the new Auckland team, will for sure raise the profile of the A League significantly in NZ (especially the 09) as a whole. That can only be good for football in NZ as a whole, and hopefully the Nix. I really think the derby games, well marketed, and well scheduled to avoid fixture clashes with early season Super Rugby ie with little other sports focus - will be huge.
RR's Waitangi Day idea sounds like a great idea to make an annual tradition!
Could be partly why the Nix seem so eager with this new Chinese opportunity. From 2026 when the new shiny ChCh CBD stadium opens (looks a very cool design) can see the Nix taking 'home' games there, and that may open new commercial opportunities, ie they look south rather than north. They do have a lot of Cantabs now in both their mens & womens teams.
But yeah you are right the new Auckland team, will for sure raise the profile of the A League significantly in NZ (especially the 09) as a whole. That can only be good for football in NZ as a whole, and hopefully the Nix. I really think the derby games, well marketed, and well scheduled to avoid fixture clashes with early season Super Rugby ie with little other sports focus - will be huge.
RR's Waitangi Day idea sounds like a great idea to make an annual tradition!