New Zealand Football (NZF) have released their National Competition Plan, a piece of work 6-months in the making to set the vision for Aotearoa New Zealand’s top-tier domestic league competition for men and women.

Following a period of consultation with over 400 stakeholders nationwide, including club leaders, federation staff, referees, NZF committees, players, and fans, the Plan now outlines a shared ambition to deliver a domestic competition that is sustainable, exposes players to the highest level of competitive football, and aligns with NZF’s talent development strategy. 

Read the full National Competition Plan

The key changes outlined in the plan are as follows:
 

• New Zealand Football will move to a double round, club-based full national competition for men and women in 2027, to be played at the same time as the existing winter season
   
• There will be 12 teams plus play-offs and a final for the men's competition
   
• There will 10 teams plus plays-offs and a final for the women's competition
   
• The leagues will have promotion and relegation meaning there is an aspirational pathway for clubs
   
• An updated club licensing criteria will be released ensuring the standards are lifted for on and off field activity, including youth development
   
• There will be a review in 2030 to look at the impact these changes have made, the current football landscape, the sustainability of the competitions and if there is the opportunity to increase the number of teams in the leagues

The plan also confirms the following changes will be introduced ahead of the 2026 season, and then continue for the new competition model. 
 

• The existing requirement for 10% of available playing minutes to be by players aged under  20 at the start of the year will be removed for the 2026 men’s National League season
   
• Players who are permanent residents of Aotearoa New Zealand will now qualify to play in the same way as a New Zealand Citizen and not be counted as a foreign player
   
• The 2026 National League regulations will be released at the end of November 2025 with further information on qualification criteria for the 2027 competition

Andrew Pragnell, CEO at New Zealand Football said:

“The momentum behind the game in Aotearoa New Zealand is huge, so this is a great time for us to be looking to evolve our top-tier domestic competitions to ensure they are delivering the best possible product for our players, coaches, referees, and administrators. 

“The football landscape in New Zealand has changed significantly in the last 5 years, so it was important for us speak to stakeholders across the game to design a competition satisfies as many goals as possible.  

“This is a bold and ambitious plan which will see the top sides playing more competitive games, give talented players opportunities to develop, engage our clubs in an open pathways, and be sustainable whilst reaching growing audiences domestically and internationally.

“It is really exciting to see it come together so we look forward to it formally getting underway in 2027.”

Article added: Thursday 30 October 2025