The former New Zealand National Soccer League, which spanned from 1970 to 1992, had faced several financial issues during its existence, primarily travel expenses associated with teams partaking in a nationwide tournament.
However, this tournament also had drawbacks of its own, specifically the dilution of playing standard caused by the inclusion of more amateur teams in each region.
The league also featured a championship play-off session at the end of the seasons, involving teams finishing high in the table.
The top teams at the end of this league section would then qualify for a play-off series culminating in a final.
In the first two seasons, the top two league sides would play each other, with the winner of that match advancing directly to the final.