There was also hope from some parties to have a youth/reserve team for Wellington Phoenix FC to participate in the competition.
However, the FIFA rules and regulations preventing a professional Australian team from competing in a New Zealand amateur competition meant this was not feasible.
The NZF has looked at including alternative teams in case any of the current eight franchises pull out.
In September 2009,a syndicate from North Shore and another from Manukau were approached and asked if they could step in at late notice if one of the eight franchises withdrew.
[1] This season is the final one in the five-year licences for each franchise and NZF are undertaking a major review of their competition structures, including the national league.