Australian football’s national second tier will kick off in early 2025, with clubs informed of their approval for the newly-created division on Monday.
Football Australia bosses are expected to unveil the format and the participating teams for the competition on November 20.
Originally slated to begin next year, the new league, which will sit below the A-League Men and above the National Premier Leagues (NPL), will instead kick off in March or April 2025.
“This additional time allows us to give the clubs an extra amount of time to get ready to play,” said FA chief executive James Johnson.
It remains unclear when and how clubs would be able to win promotion to the ALM after the competition begins in 2025.
The ALM season runs from October to April.
The format - FA has discussed a home/away system and a Champions League-style structure - has yet to be decided as has the name of the new league.
FA is currently in the process of negotiating new TV rights deals for the Socceroos and Matildas and the governing body is confident the second tier will have interested suitors.
Clubs were informed of their admittance on Monday and will secure their entry with a bank guarantee and will pay an annual participation fee.
A total of 32 clubs expressed interest in the competition in March of this year but that number has decreased as FA has moved towards finalising its new league.
