My thoughts on all of this:
They (FFA) are fudgeing crazy if they think that they will find 3 new licensees in 3 new, untapped markets with enough funds to sustain themselves.
Melbourne 3, Sydney 5, Brisbane 2. Done. More Derbies. FFA's solution to everything.
This is the part that baffles me! What in the history of the A-League or its current position suggests the league is ready for three more teams. There's not enough money in the football economy to support the ones that exist already. And it's not like the teams are turning away fans at the gates because they can't fit them in, so there isn't a ready made fan base.
Seems to me that Fox want more content so the FFA are going to provide it, even if it is 100% the wrong thing to do. For historical precedent see: Rugby, Super (15-17)
There is a massive Australian football economy outside 9 Aussie A league clubs.
If there was, wouldn't the game be awash with money and the teams that exist already not be constantly asking for money?
There are plenty of thriving clubs - generating revenue from sponsors, merchandise, gates, F&B. Some own their own grounds, have good owned media, solid fanbases, and are paying players across numerous club teams generally 3 teams (mens, reserves and womens) - but you have to look beyond the current A league clubs. If you're really interested, read this ProRel in Australia
I miss the NSL