The highly anticipated Australian Championship is scheduled to kick off in October 2025. The competition will be contested by eight Foundation Clubs and eight NPL clubs.
The Foundation Clubs have been chosen based on their rich histories, fierce rivalries, and deep ties to their communities, whereas the remaining eight teams will be the 2025 Premiers in the respective NPL competition.
The Australian Championship competition format will consist of four groups of four, with each team playing a home and away fixture. The top two teams from each group will progress to the elimination round before competing in the inaugural Australian Championship final in early December 2025.
Although there has been no confirmation on a promotion and relegation between the competition and the A-League, Football Australia has indicated that it will be considered.
The new competition seems to have come at a perfect time, with the rapid growth of Australian football and the need for a clearer pathway to the top tier. It will give NPL clubs an even greater incentive for success in their respective competitions.
