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Expansion Thread 🪜

Expansion thread...... this is perhaps more moribund than even the 'Western United' thread?

Unless Pignata has designs on using the proposed new AFL for his shiny new toy? Another Brisbane Roar disaster in the making ... but worse!!!
 
"It's hoped a Canberra team would take the ALM to a 14-team competition, leading to an extra game for prospective broadcasters to televise.
There's also the threat of other cities pushing for an ALM team in Canberra's place.
The Gold Coast previously had a team until it was dumped from the A-League in 2012.
They're still keen to return, while it's believed Tasmania is also starting to make some noise.
In a glimmer of hope, the delay has led to talks reopening with investors who expressed an interest in the bid previously.
The bid has come close to sealing an owner a couple of times, with investor funds getting caught up in AUSTRAC - the federal government's Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre, which looks into foreign investment - at one point.
There was also plenty of hope floating around Canberra Stadium in March last year.
ACT Sports Minister Yvette Berry, government officials and Capital Football were all rubbing shoulders with the then potential investors in a corporate suite at Canberra Stadium during the Socceroos game against Lebanon.
It was hoped 21 months ago it wouldn't be long before a Canberra team was announced."

www.canberratimes.com.au

Canberra A-League Men's investor finalised months ago

But it's believed talks have stalled amid concerns of cold feet.
www.canberratimes.com.au www.canberratimes.com.au
 
I don't understand the process of committing to an individual city. Forget football fundamentals, just thinking of apl interests. Surely it is best for them to open up the bidding process and select the highest bidder, doing so indefinitely
 
grazorblade said:
I don't understand the process of committing to an individual city. Forget football fundamentals, just thinking of apl interests. Surely it is best for them to open up the bidding process and select the highest bidder, doing so indefinitely
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It's the "markets" thing again. I suppose having a billionaire put a team in Coober Pedy does nothing long term for building a fanbase and a sustainable club once the billionaire moves on. Remember the white paper wanted 250k+ populations, and that was a quarter of a century ago 👇🏼

Of course, there is the hypocrisy of some of the latest expansion clubs, but I'm sure we've learnt our lesson! Although, if said billionaire wants to throw $100mil into the league, that's gamechanging money and they can put a team wherever the hell they want hahaha. Having said that, the league already blew $100mil, so it mightn't improve a damn thing.


HappyGuus said:
One thing that stood out for me from the white paper was the mention of 250,000 population catchments. So, I dug up the catchments over 250k (plus Townsville) and their growth since 2001. The growth areas are pretty much dominated by Queensland.
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1765533539384.png

An extra 370,000 people moved to southeast Melbourne since, and we didn't put a team there. Absolute morons.
 
HappyGuus said:
It's the "markets" thing again. I suppose having a billionaire put a team in Coober Pedy does nothing long term for building a fanbase and a sustainable club once the billionaire moves on. Remember the white paper wanted 250k+ populations, and that was a quarter of a century ago 👇🏼

Of course, there is the hypocrisy of some of the latest expansion clubs, but I'm sure we've learnt our lesson! Although, if said billionaire wants to throw $100mil into the league, that's gamechanging money and they can put a team wherever the hell they want hahaha. Having said that, the league already blew $100mil, so it mightn't improve a damn thing.



View attachment 4658

An extra 370,000 people moved to southeast Melbourne since, and we didn't put a team there. Absolute morons.
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i'd be surprised if an open bid led to cooper pedy being the highest bidder, but if you had expansion more regularly who cares, can eventually go to several leagues and I'd be stunned if cooper pedy could compete
 
With Christchurch United becoming newly professional and competing in the new Oceania League from January to May I can see them being a decent shout for the ALM. Auckland FC will be competing in both competitions so it should not preclude them. New stadium to be opened in May 2026 so an October start would suit. If they take one spot for next season then the question would be does WUN return, Canberra, Tassie?
 
patjennings said:
With Christchurch United becoming newly professional and competing in the new Oceania League from January to May I can see them being a decent shout for the ALM. Auckland FC will be competing in both competitions so it should not preclude them. New stadium to be opened in May 2026 so an October start would suit. If they take one spot for next season then the question would be does WUN return, Canberra, Tassie?
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Sounds like WU think they're returning. Regardless, I wouldn't rely on them being around for many more seasons anyway. Probably a couple more we can't rely on too!

The best we can hope for:

Canberra
Tasmania
Gold Coast
Christchurch
Promoted NSTs

I can't remember a Geelong bid ever showing interest.
Townsville has a nice stadium and actually had decent crowds but no money. If they find a backer, would be no worse than WU or Bulls.
Wollongong likewise didn't have the money.
Sunshine Coast has shown remarkable interest in the Roar matches there, could be a surprise packet if anyone bids.
2nd Perth? Is the interest there?
 
Playing round on AI

Why Urgent Talks and a Hard Deadline Could Unlock Expansion for 2026-27Absolutely—now is the perfect window for the APL to initiate structured talks with South Melbourne Hellas and South Island United (Christchurch), backed by a firm deadline (e.g., March/April 2026) to confirm financials, infrastructure, and licensing readiness. The league sits at 12 teams for the ongoing 2025-26 season (after Western United's hibernation due to financial collapse/liquidation in mid-2025). The current Paramount+/Network 10 media deal expires at the end of this season (May 2026), with negotiations already underway—Paramount is actively pursuing renewal, but more content (matches, markets, rivalries) would significantly boost the package's value ahead of the 2026-27 cycle.

Adding these two for 2026-27 (to 14 teams) would deliver immediate revitalization without overstretch:
  • More games/fixtures: Balanced schedule, no byes.
  • New rivalries/novelty: Victory vs. Hellas could rival or exceed the Sydney Derby in draw; trans-Tasman South Island derbies vs. Auckland/Wellington.
  • Market growth: Hellas' latent passionate base (recent Australian Championship winners); South Island's untapped youth/sponsors in a rising football region.
Feasibility for 2026-27 EntryBoth are more "plug-and-play" than past stalled bids, thanks to their OFC Pro League setups (hub format, Jan-May 2026):
BidReadiness HighlightsPotential ChallengesMedia Deal Boost
South Melbourne HellasSenior squad prioritizing OFC (full-strength); NPL Victoria as youth/reserves. Lakeside Stadium ready; massive dormant fanbase; political support (e.g., Deputy PM as ticket holder). Would activate instantly.Fourth Melbourne team—APL historically cautious on saturation. No current formal bid.Explosive derbies; community passion drives crowds/subs.
South Island UnitedProfessional roster building; represents entire South Island (~1.2M catchment). Te Kaha stadium aligns 2026; OFC as potential feeder (like Auckland model). Past owner interest in A-League.Third NZ team low on APL priorities; full OFC commitment diverts focus initially.Trans-Tasman novelty; Oceania branding for broader appeal/sponsors.

Why a Deadline Works: It creates urgency for investors (tired of delays like Canberra's ongoing stalls) while giving time for further recruitment, licensing, and squad splits (OFC as complementary summer/international stage). If only one proves viable, add them + resolve Canberra for 14; if both, leap to 14 directly. APL's post-Western caution is valid, but missing this window risks another modest deal renewal on "scraps."

The upside is huge: These additions could genuinely revitalize attendance, engagement, and broadcast value just as the new deal kicks in. Pressure from fans/clubs might force APL's hand—talks now, deadline soon, could make 2026-27 a turning point.
 
Until the big money returns, they should be only considering NSW or VIC teams. The money needed to play NZ teams must be crippling to most smaller teams. Same with Perth but at least they're Australian
 
Jetsfan said:
Until the big money returns, they should be only considering NSW or VIC teams. The money needed to play NZ teams must be crippling to most smaller teams. Same with Perth but at least they're Australian
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New deal with new players can unlock greater distributions. Big money won't return with a return of Western United and we will be locked out of any increased deal for another 5 years and existing bids seem to be stalled. Let's make the decision for football, not the world cup (Gold Coast and Townsville) or property plays (Western United).
 
I hope you lot don't fizzle out and die Pat, I really do. Jets/ Mariners have always had a friendly rivalry, but we share the small club struggle, which bonds us together. :love:
 
Sharkman84 said:
Second Brisbane or a Sunshine Coast team plus Canberra is an absolutely must for mine.
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What about Gold Coast, Wollongong and Hobart? Actually I think a second Adelaide club would have the best prospects of possible expansion candidates but, afaik, it's not something that is being considered.
 
dr. bellows said:
What about Gold Coast, Wollongong and Hobart? Actually I think a second Adelaide club would have the best prospects of possible expansion candidates but, afaik, it's not something that is being considered.
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Gold Coast is a sporting graveyard, no point going back there.

Wollongong yes but one could argue there's too many NSW teams already.

Adelaide? Nah I live here and United very rarely if ever get sellout crowds bar Grand Finals & cup finals and let's face it its not like AFL where Port Adelaide and the Crows are natural rivals.

99% of football people in this city except for ex-interstate people like me follow United.
 
HappyGuus said:
Sounds like WU think they're returning. Regardless, I wouldn't rely on them being around for many more seasons anyway. Probably a couple more we can't rely on too!
Click to expand...

I hope and expect them to return. If you look at the population chart ^above^, it's a pretty good explanation as to why I originally supported Western United being admitted.

But if they do fail, the APL needs to go to one of the Melbourne-based NPL clubs and ask them to bid for a licence. We really need to go to 14 teams next season.
 
Sharkman84 said:
Gold Coast is a sporting graveyard, no point going back there.

Wollongong yes but one could argue there's too many NSW teams already.

Adelaide? Nah I live here and United very rarely if ever get sellout crowds bar Grand Finals & cup finals and let's face it its not like AFL where Port Adelaide and the Crows are natural rivals.

99% of football people in this city except for ex-interstate people like me follow United.
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I would question whether Sunshine Coast would draw more than Gold Coast or especially a second Adelaide club. I guess having no real competition would help.
 
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