A-League Teams
In November 2004, FFA announced the formation of a new National Football League to replace the defunct NSL.
On 26 August 2005, a significant day in Australian football history, the first match of the Hyundai A-League was played.
The A-League consists of eight teams:
• Adelaide United FC
• Central Coast Mariners FC
• Melbourne Victory FC
• Newcastle Jets FC
• Perth Glory FC
• Queensland Roar FC
• Sydney FC
• Wellington Phoenix FC
The A-League has consistently grown in popularity since its inception and this is reflected by the measurably increased club memberships, crowd numbers and TV ratings that the league is attracting, together with increasing sports betting turnover.
Average match attendance has risen consistently during the first three seasons from 11,627 in the 2005/2006 season to 15,350 in season 2007/2008.
Club memberships have increased from 23,218 in 2005/06 to 52,490 in 2007/08; an increase of 126% from the inaugural season.
Fox Sports is the official telecast sponsor of the A-League and, after the successful first season, signed a seven year broadcast rights deal worth $130 million.
Average viewership has increased from 40,350 in 2005/06 to 69,699 in 2007/08; a 73% increase from the first season. The 2008 A-League finals series attracted an average of 130,000 viewers per match and more than 3 million unique viewers watched Fox Sports’ A-League 2007/08 season coverage.
Sports betting turnover has increased significantly with A-League matches responsible for over 10% of TAB Sportsbet’s football wagering. In contrast, English Premier League betting is responsible for 50%, demonstrating just how popular the A-League has become in a very short timeframe.
The growth of the A-League in its first three seasons demonstrates an ability to support expansion, with comprehensive evidence of support from both the public and corporate sponsorship.
The only question is "Who will the new teams be ?"
