Would Napier City Rovers be keen to step in over Hawke's Bay?
I guess the same question applies to Miramar/TW, Central/ACFC, CU/Cashmere to various degrees. Particularly for clubs like Miramar and NCR who have a strong history in the national league and may want to add to it. It's almost certainly one or the other for these clubs/franchises that work closely together (or in some cases are the same people in a different colour). I can't see Auckland City folding in favour of Central. Not sure about the others.
It's a mess isn't it. Personally I'd like to see it stay as franchises.
Why?
Look what has happened to so many historic football clubs chasing after glory: Waikato United, Hamilton AFC, Mt Wellington, Gisborne, North Shore United, Manawatu AFC, Mount Maunganui etc. All big names that have amalgamated/disappeared/become shadows of their former selves; due to league changes (Waikato United), cost of chasing glory (Mount Maunganui) etc.
I'd rather keep our current model but align the Youth and Women's football with each franchise (drop footsal though).
For football in NZ, the American franchise model is the most sustainable long term where they have the MLS as the top teir with franchises. Proper clubs then play in the lower tiers.