In preparation for season 2026, Football Victoria (FV) is pleased to release the 2026 Provisional Declaration of League Structures for National Premier Leagues (NPL), Victorian Premier Leagues (VPL) & VETO Sports State Leagues (SL).
The 2026 Provisional League Structures have been determined in conjunction with the Rules of Competition and the Order of Merit Process and has been released 2 months ahead of schedule after ongoing work with clubs to ensure compliance.
A significant development heading into the 2026 season is the transition of State League Competitions from a 5 Division structure to a 7 Division structure. The change, which was announced last December, introduces a more streamlined and consistent framework, with all Leagues within each Division zoned as North-West and South-East throughout the entire State League structure.
FV’s Head of Competitions Frank Karatzas is excited for the simplified structure heading into the 2026 season.
“Off the back of a huge 2025, highlighted by the success of NPL clubs in the Nike Cup and Dockerty Cup as well as State League Clubs in the Steph Catley and Cecil Earley plates, we’re looking ahead to an even bigger 2026, showcasing the only statewide football pyramid in Australia".
“With the Veto Sports State Leagues now expanded to seven divisions, the pathway to progress through the pyramid is clearer than ever, strengthening and unifying the competition from top to bottom.
"The new 2026 league structures align with the objectives of the Our Football: 2024-2028 strategy where a clear pathway is a top priority, and endorses extensive feedback from clubs in recent years about opportunity and simplicity”.
To ensure our NPL/VPL Clubs lead the way in governance, capability and financial sustainability, Clubs may be required to complete further requirements under FV Membership before eligibility is confirmed in the Final Declaration of Leagues. This is noted by asterisk across the League structures.
Furthermore and for clarity, Western United FC have retained their position in both VPLM1 and the VBYPL (previously NPLJB) having met all membership and financial obligations to Football Victoria. Earlier this year, they were suspended (not expelled) from FV Competition fixtures under the Rules of Competition, to ensure they met licence and membership requirements. Several other clubs in question, have also since met these requirements while initially being assessed. The participation of A-League clubs in FV sanctioned competitions has not been historically tied with their A-League licence, however this is currently in review.
A club’s appearance in the ‘Provisional Declaration of Leagues’ is not a confirmation of inclusion in the ‘Final Declaration of Leagues'. No participation is guaranteed to any club in any league until the final declaration of leagues is issued by FV.