In March 2023, the Australian Professional Leagues confirmed plans for the next two expansion clubs to be based in Canberra and Auckland ahead of the 2024–25 season.[2] In October 2023, the preferred bidder as owner of the new Auckland licence was confirmed to be Bill Foley,[3] with the licence officially awarded on 21 November.[4] Speaking at the time of the license awarding in November 2023, Foley stated there "was a lot of work to do" to determine the name and logo for the club and that he was "not wedded to any name at this point", despite expressing a personal preference for "Black Knights".[5]
On 14 March 2024, the club officially announced its name, logo and inaugural home kit at its headquarters in Auckland. The name was announced as Auckland FC and a stripe kit that featured electric blue and black as its main colours. The kit was manufactured by New Balance.[6] The nickname was unveiled to be "Black Knights," which is associated with several clubs that Foley owns and refers to the nickname of the sports teams at his alma mater, the United States Military Academy.[7] On the same day of the announcement, the club revealed Terry McFlynn as its director of football,[8] and Steve Corica as its inaugural head coach.[9] Auckland FC announced four player signings, the first before the 2024–25 season, in May.[10]
On 19 October 2024, Auckland played their inaugural A-League Men's fixture at the Mount Smart Stadium against Brisbane Roar. In front of a sell-out crowd of 24,492, the club secured a 2–0 win.[11]
Club badge and colours
The club colours are electric blue and black, associated with the traditional royal blue of Auckland.[12] The crest features an A in its centre to symbolise the city, representing Rangitoto Island and the Sky Tower. The black knight visor and stripes represent the club's owner Black Knight Sports & Entertainment.[12] The club's short name AFC is displayed on the crest.[13]
Auckland play their home matches at the Mount Smart Stadium, currently known as the Go Media Stadium due to sponsorship reasons, a 25,000-seat capacity venue located in the suburb of Penrose, approximately 10 kilometers south of Auckland's city centre.[14] The club's owner, Bill Foley, has stated that the ground will be used for a "few years" before a new 20,000-seat stadium is developed on the Auckland waterfront.[15] Due to scheduling conflicts with National Rugby League side New Zealand Warriors, the club uses the North Harbour Stadium as its training ground.[16]
The Port are a supporters' group associated with the Black Knights.[24] The club also have a supporters' pub located at Tyler Street Sport, a bar in the Auckland CBD.[25]
In the first match between the sides on 2 November 2024, Auckland beat the Phoenix 2–0 away at the Wellington Regional Stadium, currently known as the Sky Stadium for sponsorship reasons, courtesy of two late goals from Jake Brimmer.[27]
Auckland FC announced on 14 March 2024 that a women's football team will enter the 2025–26 season of the A-League Women, as well as youth teams to act as the academy sides for both then men and women's squads. As director of football, Terry McFlynn will manage player and coach recruitment for both sides.[8]
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
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