Teams set for new OFC Pro League season

The Oceania Football Confederation has announced the teams that are set to take part in the next season of the OFC Pro League.

Auckland FC are set to return to the OFC Pro League after lifting the trophy and celebrating their win of the first edition back in May. (Photo: Shane Wenzlick/Phototek)

There will be no new teams for the season, which was expected, with all 8 original members set to return, the OFC announced in a press release Friday.

The 8 original teams were:

Auckland FC (New Zealand), South Island United (New Zealand), PNG Hekari (Papua New Guinea), South Melbourne (Australia), Bula FC (Fiji), Solomon Kings (Solomon Islands), Tahiti United (Tahiti) and Vanuatu United (Vanuatu).

Auckland FC Reserves won the inaugural season, qualifying for the FIFA Intercontinental Championship in the process.

All 8 original members have received approval for their 2027 Club Licence applications from the OFC Executive Committee, which met in Fiji this week.

“Club licensing is a critical part of the OFC Pro League framework, ensuring participating clubs continue to develop the structures, governance and standards required to compete at the professional level. Following approval of their applications, the eight clubs will now progress through to the next stage of the process to confirm their participation, with additional requirements to be fulfilled before the process is completed ahead of the 2027 season,” the press release read.

Head of OFC Pro League, Stuart Larman, said the approval of all eight applications demonstrated the commitment of the clubs to building a stronger professional football environment across Oceania.

“Reaching Season 2 is an important moment for the OFC Pro League and for the continued development of professional football in the region,” Larman said.

“Having all eight clubs approved at this stage reflects the commitment they have made to meeting the standards required to operate at this level. This is about more than simply preparing for another season – it is about building strong, sustainable independent clubs that can contribute to the future of football across Oceania.

“We now look forward to working closely with the clubs as they complete the remaining participation requirements and prepare for what promises to be another exciting chapter for the league.”

Details of Season 2 dates, host countries, and venues will be released “shortly” according to the OFC.

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