New South Wales NPL (Australia) 2026/27

New South Wales NPL is a men's soccer competition governed by Football NSW. Founded in 2013, it replaced the NSW Premier League following the National Competition Review. The league currently occupies the third tier of the Australian soccer pyramid, a status adjusted in 2025 with the introduction of the Australian Championship as the new second tier.

The competition features 16 teams engaged in a double round-robin regular season. After the regular matches conclude, the top six teams advance to a finals series. This knockout stage includes elimination semi-finals, preliminary finals, and a grand final to determine the champion. The 2024 title was secured by Marconi Stallions FC, who defeated Rockdale Ilinden 3–0 in the decider.

Structurally, the league does not offer promotion to the A-League Men, which operates on a closed franchise model. Instead, internal movement occurs within the state structure. The team finishing 16th faces automatic relegation to Football NSW League One. The 15th placed side enters a two-legged playoff against the runner-up of League One to contest the final relegation spot.

A distinctive element of the competition is the inclusion of A-League academy teams, such as Western Sydney Wanderers II and Sydney FC II. These squads participate directly in the senior competition, providing a development pathway for youth players. The league also hosts notable sponsors, including IGA and McDonald's. Historically, Blacktown City and Sydney United 58 share the record for the most premierships in the NSW top flight, each holding eight titles across pre-2013 and post-2013 iterations. The tournament is characterised by intense local rivalries and strong community club participation alongside professional affiliates.