You said: Wellington Phoenix are the ONLY domestic club that have to pay NZF to PLAY in the SS Premiership.
I say: Bollocks. Here is the programme of Eastern Suburbs (see page 5) where the Chairman talks about the ~$100k entry fee. My understanding is that it's $65k to enter and $30k towards the TV coverage. Most SSP clubs will have public accounts, taking a quick look at the last two sets of TWs they show line items of $65k for "Entry Fee". Those two sets predate the TV deal.
That's about it really.
As posted by Patrick earlier, the $65K Entry fee covers cost of travel etc. And I presume the Phoenix pay that, as well.
But, and this is where you need to pay attention to the detail, I said "Wellington Phoenix are the ONLY domestic club that have to pay NZF to PLAY in the SS Premiership" & in a later post I stated that this was due to "us having professional youth players"
I have no reason to doubt the source of this information, & as I dont take a great deal of interest in the SSP, I don't really care what it costs to participate in it, unless NZF are charging the Phoenix extra, over & above what it costs everyone else!
You are conveniently forgetting about "us having professional youth players"
yes. because it wasn't in your original post about it. Your original statement is clearly wrong based on NZF reg. I think we can all agree that.
Your clarifying stated might be correct. More than likely it is given your source.
Regardless, having a reserve side is clearly beneficial in keeping some players match fit and developing younger players. That ends up benefiting the first team. And I've seen no evidence that it is taking resource away from the first team.
I didn't mention it in my original post as I was using it as a demonstration of how resources are going to NZF & not into other areas that could develop the A-league team & improve our metrics which is a reason that has been given for the need to have the Traveling Circus.
I also didn't mention an Entry Fee.
Does the entry fee cover the cost of travel & accommodation for up to 18 players & officials?
Do any other teams in SSP pay NZF another fee for the right to have professional youth players PLAY in the SSP?
You are comparing two different things.