Football Australia have announced the name and structure of Australia's National Second Division - the Australian Championship.
The new competition will have 16 teams and commence in the latter part of 2025.
The Australian Championship is designed to help create a bridge for clubs from the National Premier League (NPL) to the A-League.
With an innovative format, The Sporting News has all the details of the fledgling league.
When will the Australian Championship start?
The Australian Championship is scheduled to kickoff in October 2025 - the same month that the A-League commences.
It will feature 16 teams - eight foundation clubs and eight member federation invitational clubs selected from NPL's around Australia.
How will the Australian Championship be structured?
- 16 teams
- Group stage featuring four groups of four teams playing home and away matches
- Top two in each group qualify for an elimination finals series
- Australian Championship final to be played in early December 2025
Which clubs are in the Australian Championship?
Eight foundation clubs have been confirmed for the new competition:
- APIA Leichhardt (NSW)
- Avondale FC (VIC)
- Marconi Stallions (NSW)
- Preston Lions FC (VIC)
- South Melbourne FC (VIC)
- Sydney Olympic (NSW)
- Sydney United 58 (NSW)
- Wollongong Wolves (NSW)
These eight clubs will be joined by eight other clubs drawn from NPL competitions across Capital Football, Football Queensland, Football NSW, Football South Australia, Football Tasmania, Football Victoria, Football West and Northern NSW Football.