More derbies.   

The energy around today’s Phoenix v Auckland FC derby points to one thing: the A-League has got it right with the introduction of a second NZ team to their competition.   

Which begs the question, why aren’t there more in other Australian competitions where New Zealand has a stake?

The answer, I presume, would be something like “it’s an Aussie comp, you’re lucky to have one team there, sit down and shut up”. Which is understandable, because it’s true – what’s in it for Australia? Eyeballs? Jersey sales? Broadcast rights? More sponsorship dollars? Stiffer competition? 

Basketball and rugby league are plainly the targets here, as both sports already have a Kiwi presence in Aussie leagues – the NBL and the NRL.   

The Breakers were the gold standard for a while and with the accelerated growth of the game here and the undeniable global reach of the game, this should lean into another franchise in NZ. 

The NRL is screaming for another New Zealand team. The powers that be over the ditch appear to have zero interest in further expansion though. To say the NRL have little or no respect for NZ league is an understatement. They’d rather set up camp in Papua New Guinea. The federal cash sweetener is the only obvious reason as to why they would, nothing else makes sense. Also, the NRL hate us, and have shown time and time again that lip service is all they are capable of.   

So it’ll never happen, in either league. Big Bash? Netball? Unlikely, but it won’t stop me dreaming of a day where the excitement around today’s A-League derby is replicated in other sports. 

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