Former All Black Ali Williams is leading a consortium trying to win the new expansion licence for an Auckland-based A-League franchise, 1News reports.
1News says Williams, a property developer, leads a bid thought to involve the Mowbray family, known for their success with the Zuru toys brand.
In its story broadcast on Thursday September 7, 2023, 1News reports the planned franchise would initially play games at Mt Smart Stadium but would want to eventually play at a new waterfront stadium at the Silo Park/Wynyard Quarter.
The story says another bidder for the licence is thought to be American Marc Mitchell, a minority shareholder in the Breakers basketball franchise.
Mitchell has registered a company called Auckland Football and has set up a website, a Facebook page and an X account.
Watch 1News story
Plans to add Auckland club to A-League
The Australian Professional League plans to grow the men’s and women’s A-League competitions to 16 teams each, introducing four new clubs over the next three years.
Auckland and Canberra have been identified as the “clear standouts” to provide teams 13 and 14 in the expansion.
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