Australia to Launch National Second-Tier Football Competition in 2025

The new tournament will feature 16 teams in a Champions League-style format, but will not include promotion to the A-League.

Football Australia announced a 16-team national second-tier competition set to begin in October 2025.
The competition will follow a Champions League-style format with group stages and knockout rounds, culminating in a final in December.
The eight foundation clubs include APIA Leichhardt, Avondale, Marconi, and South Melbourne, among others from NSW and Victoria.
Eight additional teams will be drawn from the premiers of the National Premier League competitions across various states.
There are no plans for promotion or relegation with the A-League, and the competition's name and branding will be revealed in the coming months.