New Zealand Football have confirmed a new National League structure that will start in 2027.

From 2027, the top men’s and women’s competitions will become fully club-based, double round leagues played in the traditional winter season.

There will be 12 teams plus play-offs and a final for the men's competition.

There will be 10 teams plus play-offs and a final for the women's competition.

The leagues will have promotion and relegation, giving an aspirational pathway for clubs.

An updated club licensing criteria is under 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

There are two key changes that are being made now, and will affect the 2026 season and continue into the new leagues. 

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 Dettol 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 Dettol National League regulations will be released at the end of November 2025 with further information on qualification criteria for the 2027 competition

This announcement follows six months of consultation across the game, including clubs, federations, players, referees and fans. The changes form part of NZ Football’s wider National Competition Plan, which aims to lift the quality and consistency of domestic football and strengthen player development pathways.

NZF Chief Executive Andrew Pragnell says the plan reflects a growing game and the need for a competition structure that supports it.

“The football landscape in New Zealand has changed significantly in the last five 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 pathway, and be sustainable whilst reaching growing audiences domestically and internationally."

The full National Competition Plan is available at nzfootball.co.nz

Article added: Monday 03 November 2025