Finn Surman of the Phoenix celebrates with team-mates after scoring a goal Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The 20th season of the A-League is about to get underway with double the reason for New Zealand fans to watch - the Phoenix are joined by new addition Auckland FC.
The Phoenix will be looking to at least repeat last season's efforts, having finished the 2023-24 season second on the ladder. Meanwhile, Auckland FC - armed with a number of big signings - will want to make a name for themselves as serious contenders, despite being newcomers to the comp.
Here's everything you need to know about the 2024-25 A-League Men's season:
When does the season start?
The A-League kicks off the weekend of 18-20 October.
Auckland FC begin their campaign against Brisbane Roar at Mt Smart Stadium on 19 October, while the Phoenix play their first game against Western United FC at home at Sky Stadium on 20 October.
What are the round one fixtures?
Friday 18 October:
Central Coast Mariners v Melbourne Victory
Saturday 19 October:
Auckland FC v Brisbane Roar
Newcastle Jets v Melbourne City
Western City Wanderers v Sydney FC
Sunday 20 October:
Wellington Phoenix v Western United FC
Macarthur FC v Perth Glory
Byes:
Adelaide United
Who can I support?
There are 13 teams in the expanded A-League, with two NZ-based squads in the comp; the Wellington Phoenix and Auckland FC.
- Adelaide United FC
- Auckland FC
- Brisbane Roar FC
- Central Coast Mariners FC
- Macarthur FC
- Melbourne City FC
- Melbourne Victory FC
- Newcastle Jets FC
- Perth Glory FC
- Sydney FC
- Wellington Phoenix FC
- Western Sydney Wanderers FC
- Western United FC
How many games are there?
Each club will play 24 home and away games, plus two additional matches and three byes.
Where do I get tickets?
If you want to head along to experience any of the NZ games live, tickets for regular season matches can be purchased through ticketmaster.
All 'home' games are played at Go Media Stadium at Mt Smart in Auckland for Auckland FC, and Sky Stadium in Wellington for the Phoenix.
How can I watch the games at home?
Sky Television are the official rights holder for A-League matches.
You can also follow along with live updates at rnz.co.nz for key matches of each round.
Who qualifies for the finals?
The top six sides will qualify for the finals, which will take place 9-11 May next year.
Who won last season?
New South Wales' Central Coast Mariners defended their title in front of a sellout crowd, defeating Melbourne Victory 3-1 in the Grand Final at Gosford on 25 May 2024.
New Zealand's only A-League team at the time - the Wellington Phoenix - finished second on the table behind Central Coast and were then knocked out by Melbourne Victory in the play-off semi-finals.
Perth Glory finished bottom of the ladder, four points behind 11th-placed Western United.
When is the A League grand final?
The Grand Final will be played on the weekend of 30 May-1 June 2025.
How can I track the ladder?
Stay up to date with where your team is placed in the comp, total points and win streaks via the A-League Men's ladder.
Follow full sport coverage at RNZ Sport.
Who are the big names on the Kiwi teams?
The Auckland FC squad includes includes All Whites Nanjo Pijnaker, Michael Woud, Alex Paulsen, Cam Howieson, Tommy Smith, Max Mata, Francis De Vries, Joey Champness and Logan Rogerson.
All White Michael Would is one of nine All Whites to have signed with Auckland FC. Photo: Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz
They have also locked in three international visa players; Chilean centre midfielder Luis Felipe Gallegos, joined in the midfield by Louis Verstraete - a 25-year-old former Belgium U21 international that came through the Gent academy - and Uruguayan striker Guillermo May - who has played in the top leagues of both Uruguay and Argentina, as well as a spell in Spain early on in his career.
Award-winning midfielder Jake Brimmer has also joined Auckland FC, crossing the ditch from Melbourne Victory.
He featured in 24 of Victory's 26 games last season, where the Victory finished third. During his debut season, Brimmer finished as the club's joint top goal scorer for the 2020-21 season.
Jake Brimmer of Melbourne Victory reacts after scoring a goal from a penalty shot during the A-League men’s football match Photo: AAP / www.photosport.nz
Meanwhile, the Phoenix have signed a decorated midfielder from Japan to further bolster their squad; Kazuki Nagasawa joins on a two-year deal from J2 League side Vegalta Sendai. The 32-year-old has played more than 300 professional matches, after launching his career in Germany where he helped FC Koln secure promotion to the Bundesliga in 20214.
Joining Sendai also on a two-year contract is Hideki Ishige, who comes from J1 League side Gamba Osaka.
Ishige, 29, has played almost 300 professional matches in Japan, more than half in the J1 League.
What about the Women's A-League?
The A-League Women's comp kicks off a fortnight after the Men's, with the Wellington Phoenix taking on Western United FC in round one on 1 November.
The Auckland FC women's team will join the competition in the 2025-26 season.
We'll have everything you need to know about their upcoming season on rnz.co.nz next week.
