// About the A-League

The A-League commenced in 2005-06 with eight consortia, each with a five year agreement. The current eight privately owned clubs represent the following eight cities across five Australian states plus New Zealand: Adelaide; Gosford; Melbourne; Wellington, Newcastle, Brisbane, Perth and Sydney. Canberra is the only large capital city in Australia without representation.

In the first three seasons the A-League has shown considerable growth:

• During the first three seasons over 3,500,000 people have attended an A-League game, with an average attendance in 2007-08 of 15,350 per game (up from 11,627 in 2005-06, a 32% increase)
• Total club membership for teams in 2007-08 was 52,490 (up from 23,218 in 2005-06, a 126% increase), and
• 90 matches were broadcast during the 2007-08 season (on Fox Sports) with an average viewership of 69,699 per match (up from 40,530 in 2005-06, a 73% increase)

These factors combine to present a significant marketing opportunity for Canberra throughout the country and in to Asia.

In 2008, another two teams were added to the A-League line up in the form of Gold Coast and Townsville. These news clubs will commence play in the 2009-10 season.