Again if Canberra join the league next season (2025/26), there will only be 2 derbies per campaign.
The 3 derby games this season are likely to be a one off. The APL and clubs won't like having an odd number of teams beyond this season. If by early 2025, Canberra is still looking a no go, wouldn't surprise if they approach strong NPL clubs like South Melbourne, about entering a team. Or explore other possible franchise locations like Tassie, The Gong, Christchurch or whereever.
Having 13 teams is a bit shark, each team with 3 byes. The $20M franchise fee or whatever it is is a big challenge to start up a new club, so APL may need to be flexible around that in need to get the 14th team up & going.
As an aside I think Auckland's roster (with a heavy NZ presence) is showing there was definitely always the depth in NZ football for a 2nd team.
A 3rd team (ChCh) who knows, but can see the quality young player base broadening with things like annual U17 World Cups, an AFC Academy setting up (like the Nix most of those kids won't progress to the first team, and will be back NZ domestic clubs by age 20-21), and just better overall talent ID scouting.
Finding a football loving billionaire is likely the biggest hurdle to getting a team in Canterbury. Slava Meyn has admitted the costs are beyond his wealth level.
Wouldn't surprise if the Nix take next year's Jan 25th CCM game to the Addington scaffolding site, and then from 2026 it's yes an annual game at the new downtown ChCh stadium. Dome said on the pod recently that they have a good relatiosnhip with Mainland Football, and ChCh is basically the logical city to have the 1-2 'home' games that Auckland had before.
The 3 derby games this season are likely to be a one off. The APL and clubs won't like having an odd number of teams beyond this season. If by early 2025, Canberra is still looking a no go, wouldn't surprise if they approach strong NPL clubs like South Melbourne, about entering a team. Or explore other possible franchise locations like Tassie, The Gong, Christchurch or whereever.
Having 13 teams is a bit shark, each team with 3 byes. The $20M franchise fee or whatever it is is a big challenge to start up a new club, so APL may need to be flexible around that in need to get the 14th team up & going.
As an aside I think Auckland's roster (with a heavy NZ presence) is showing there was definitely always the depth in NZ football for a 2nd team.
A 3rd team (ChCh) who knows, but can see the quality young player base broadening with things like annual U17 World Cups, an AFC Academy setting up (like the Nix most of those kids won't progress to the first team, and will be back NZ domestic clubs by age 20-21), and just better overall talent ID scouting.
Finding a football loving billionaire is likely the biggest hurdle to getting a team in Canterbury. Slava Meyn has admitted the costs are beyond his wealth level.
Wouldn't surprise if the Nix take next year's Jan 25th CCM game to the Addington scaffolding site, and then from 2026 it's yes an annual game at the new downtown ChCh stadium. Dome said on the pod recently that they have a good relatiosnhip with Mainland Football, and ChCh is basically the logical city to have the 1-2 'home' games that Auckland had before.