OFC Professional League Receives 24 Expressions of Interest as Excitement Builds for 2026 Launch

The Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) has received an impressive 24 expressions of interest for the highly anticipated OFC Professional League, set to debut in January 2026.

With the submission deadline closing on Friday, February 28, clubs from across the Pacific have stepped forward, eager to be part of what promises to be a game-changing competition for football in the region.

Widespread Interest from Across Oceania

The 24 expressions of interest represent a broad mix of clubs from multiple nations, underlining the league’s widespread appeal:

• 6 clubs from New Zealand
• 4 from Fiji
• 4 from Papua New Guinea
• 4 from Australia
• 2 from New Caledonia
• 1 each from Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tahiti, and Vanuatu

Now, the race begins for clubs to secure one of the eight coveted spots in the competition, which will run from January to May 2026. The club application process remains open until the end of June 2025, with a rigorous selection process to follow.

A Defining Moment for Oceania’s Football Future

OFC Professional League Manager Stuart Larman hailed the overwhelming response as a historic milestone for football in the region.

“Years of work have gone into designing a professional league that will drive the growth of football across Oceania. The enthusiasm shown by these clubs highlights the shared vision and passion for elevating professional football in the region,” Larman stated.

The OFC Professional League aims to redefine the football landscape in Oceania, providing a structured and sustainable platform for elite competition. Featuring eight premier teams from across the Pacific, the league is expected to establish new standards for performance, competition, and opportunities for clubs, players, and fans alike.

Key Timeline for OFC Professional League Selection Process

• End of June 2025: Club application process concludes.
• August 2025: OFC Club Licensing Committee presents recommendations to the OFC Executive Committee.
• September 2025: Final approval and issuance of licenses to the eight selected clubs.
• January 2026: Official kickoff of the inaugural OFC Professional League.

With excitement building and a landmark competition on the horizon, the coming months will be crucial in shaping the future of professional football in Oceania.