As announced on 29 July, New Zealand Football’s top-tier men’s and women’s competitions are changing from 2027 to move to a full-season, fully national, club-based winter league. 

Read the latest announcement about the new competition.

Any changes to a competition structure can raise questions, so we have addressed some of the key aspects below:


Why is it 10 women’s teams and 12 men’s teams?

After a long consultation period and analysis of the existing competitions, a structure of 10 women’s teams and 12 men’s teams was determined to provide the best competitive balance while maintaining the quality of the league.

On the women’s side, this is the first edition of a fully club-based national league competition in the history of New Zealand. With a smaller overall playing base across the country, it is critical that these clubs are supported and, in turn, are able to provide the level of support their teams need to make this transition.

On the men’s side, the growth of professional football in the region is changing the landscape, with a significant number of Dettol National League players moving into the two professional clubs, the OFC Pro League, and Australia's National Premier Leagues (NPL). While this rapid rise in professional opportunities for Kiwi footballers is a welcome development, more than 50 players left the Dettol National League between 2024 and 2025. It is therefore imperative that the Dettol National League maintains its high quality from the available player base.

From a sustainability perspective, a 10 team women’s competition and a 12 team men’s competition is the most financially prudent approach at this stage. Further expansion of the leagues will be explored as and when it is financially viable for the competition and clubs, with the long-term sustainability both the priority. New Zealand Football will also be investing in the South Island leagues from 2027, in part to support the increased travel costs due to the geographical challenges of the region, to ensure there is a viable second tier across the country.

The competition structure will be reviewed at the end of the 2028 season. This will provide an opportunity to assess whether maintaining the current structure, increasing the number of teams, or decreasing the number of teams is in the best interests of the competition.


Why is it not an even number of teams from each region?

The team allocation broadly reflects the population distribution of Aotearoa New Zealand while ensuring all regional leagues are represented.

At this stage, geographical protections will be in place and may continue to form part of the promotion and relegation mechanisms.


Why do Auckland FC and Wellington Phoenix reserve teams automatically qualify?

Auckland FC and Wellington Phoenix play a major talent development role for football in Aotearoa New Zealand, as outlined in the High Performance and Talent Plan.

This pathway supports the majority of New Zealand's most talented young players who aspire to represent New Zealand internationally. It is important that these players are tested at the highest level of the domestic game, in both the men's and women's competitions, to prepare them to compete on the world stage and help achieve New Zealand's international ambitions.


How will promotion and relegation work?

Having an open pathway between the Dettol National League and the regional leagues through promotion and relegation is a critical part of the competition.

There are a range of competition models that could be used to determine promotion and relegation. New Zealand Football will be consulting with the Dettol National League Men's and Women's working groups to collectively determine the best solution.

This process is currently underway, with the final model expected to be confirmed and shared by the end of September 2026.
 
 

Article added: Thursday 30 July 2026