The FIFA-backed OFC Pro League has been described as a "new era" for the sport. (file photo) Photo: Kirk Corrie / Phototek.nz
Oceania football fans are set to be treated with much-anticipated regional professional club competition, set to begin in January 2026.
The eight-team Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Pro League will kick off on 17 January at Auckland's Eden Park.
The FIFA-backed league has been described as a "new era" for the sport, offering Pacific Island players the opportunity to develop their careers and "professionalise" football across the region.
Here are founding clubs:
Bula FC
Bula FC logo. Photo: www.ofcproleague.com
The newly established Fiji-based club will be coached by Stéphane Auvray, a former Guadeloupe international. Auvray will hold a dual role that will also see him manage the Fijian men's national team.
The team will be based in Ba, known as Fiji's soccer district.
Anushil Kumar, Bula FC's chief executive, who was Fiji Football Association's competitions manager immediately prior to taking on the role, said the club "is a national movement to give every Fijian player a chance to reach the professional stage.
Vanuatu United FC
Vanuatu United FC logo. Photo: www.ofcproleague.com
The club, nicknamed 'The Chiefs', is the only professional sports club in Vanuatu. It is owned jointly by the Vanuatu Football Federation and the Vanuatu government.
The team will be based in Port Vila, Vanuatu's capital.
German Lars Hopp will coach the club - also doubling up as the coach of the Vanuatu men's national team.
Christian Happel, Vanuatu United FC's general manager, said "we want our club to inspire, unite, and strengthen the football family across the islands".
Vanuatu Football Federation website
Hekari FC
PNG Hekari FC logo. Photo: www.ofcproleague.com
Papua New Guinea's Hekari FC is the country's first-ever professional club, built on the foundations of Hekari United FC.
The club will be based out of Port Moresby, the capital city of Papua New Guinea.
The team will be coached by Brazil's Marcos Gusmão, who has previously coached the PNG men's national team. It will also feature three Brazilian players - Erick Joe, Kaûe Silva, Rafael Chaves.
Wira Wama, PNG Hekari's general manager, said the aim of the club is to take " our football to a higher level both regionally and internationally".
Solomon Kings FC
Solomon Kings FC logo. Photo: www.ofcproleague.com
The club is a result of a partnership between the Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) and Australian club Wynnum Wolves FC, based in Brisbane.
The club is based out of Honiara, the capital city of the Solomon Islands. But the partnership with Wynnum Wolves, the deal also allows for a secondary training base for the club in Brisbane.
Solomon Kings FC is yet to announce their head coach.
Don Marahare, Solomon Kings FC chairman, said being a founding member of the OFC Pro League is "an important step in developing the game across our nation and the wider Oceania region".
Tahiti United
Tahiti United logo. Photo: www.espncricinfo.com
The club was founded as the professional arm of the French Polynesian club AS Vénus to represent the French territory in the OFC Pro League.
The team is based out of Pīraʻe in Tahiti.
The side will be coached by the national team head coach Samuel Garcia.
Garcia said Tahiti United aims to bring together and involve all Polynesians behind this project, and identify with this team.
Auckland FC
Auckland FC logo. Photo: www.ofcproleague.com
The team is one of two New Zealand teams competing in the inaugural OFC Pro League.
The club is the same that also plays in the A-League. The team the will feature in the pro league is a development component of Auckland FC's first team.
The team will be based in Auckland.
Luke Casserly will coach Auckland FC's OFC Pro League side, having previously been appointed coach of Auckland FC Reserves, as well as being a part of the first team support staff.
South Island United
South Island United logo. Photo: www.ofcproleague.com
The club, the second New Zealand-based franchise, was originally unveiled as Christchurch United FC. However, with a focus to represent the whole of New Zealand's South Island it changed its name to South Island United.
The side becomes the third professional NZ football set up - the other two being Auckland FC and Wellington Phoenix - and will be based in Christchurch.
Rob Sherman, a former Fiji national team coach and New Zealand Football Director of Football, will coach the newly established club.
Ryan Edwards, South Island United's general manager, said the club's goal is to represent the entire football community in Aotearoa's South Island and provide a pathway to professional football for all young players in the South.
South Melbourne FC
South Melbourne FC logo. Photo: www.ofcproleague.com
The club is the only Australia-based and non-OFC member side that will compete in the OFC Pro League.
The team will be based out of South Melbourne and coached by Sinisha Cohadzic.
South Melbourne FC was part of OFC and represented Oceania at the FIFA Club World Cup in 2000 when Australia was still part of the OFC.
Strati Xynas, South Melbourne FC's general manager, described the opportunity for the club to be part of the pro league as "a landmark moment".
"To once again represent South Melbourne and Australia in an international competition is something we are incredibly proud of," Xynas said.