Football Australia Launches Australian Championship

australia - Football Australia introduces a new national second-tier competition, the Australian Championship, featuring 16 teams from around Australia.

Football Australia Launches Australian Championship

Football Australia officially launched the Australian Championship, a new national second tier of Australian men's football, to bridge the gap between the A-League Men and state-based NPL competitions. The competition will commence on Oct. 10, 2025, with 16 teams competing in group-stage fixtures leading to an elimination final series resembling the UEFA Champions League model.

Clubs in the Championship

Football Australia unveiled eight foundation clubs for the Australian Championship, including APIA Leichhardt FC, Avondale FC, Marconi Stallions FC, Preston Lions FC, South Melbourne FC, Sydney Olympic FC, Sydney United 58 FC, and Wollongong Wolves FC. These clubs will be joined by eight sides that qualify as premiers from various NPL competitions around Australia. The competition aims to provide a platform for young Australian players and enhance the overall football landscape in the country.

Competition Format and Schedule

The 16 teams will be divided into four groups of four, playing six home-and-away fixtures. The top two teams from each group will advance to the quarterfinals, with the competition running from Oct. 10 to Dec. 6 or 7. There will be no promotion and relegation between the Australian Championship and the A-League, as they are separate competitions administered by different organizations.

Broadcasting and Future Plans

Football Australia announced that the Australian Championship will not be included in the broadcast deal with Paramount, with separate arrangements made for the competition. While the competition will initially follow a Champions League format, plans to transition to a standalone league are being considered. The Championship will not have a salary cap for the 2025 season, with squad regulations aligning with NPL standards.