How Many Australian Football Teams Are There? The 2026 Landscape Explained

As of August 14, 2026, the structure of Australian football—known domestically as Australian Rules Football (AFL)—is defined by a sophisticated hierarchy of professional, semi-professional, and amateur leagues. At the pinnacle sits the Australian Football League (AFL), which currently features 18 professional clubs. While there have been ongoing discussions regarding potential expansion to a 19th or 20th team, the current roster remains locked at 18 squads competing for the premiership. Beyond the elite level, the ecosystem expands significantly through state-based leagues and community organizations, totaling thousands of registered clubs across the nation.

The Structure of Elite Competition and Club Identity

The 18 AFL clubs represent the absolute summit of the sport, characterized by high-performance training, national broadcasting rights, and massive membership bases. These clubs are spread across Australia’s major states, primarily centered in Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, and Western Australia. Each team operates a men’s and a women’s side, ensuring that the 18-team structure is mirrored in the AFLW, which has achieved full parity in club representation.

The rivalry culture remains the lifeblood of these 18 teams. Historic clubs like Collingwood, Essendon, and Carlton anchor the Victorian heartland, while newer additions like the Gold Coast Suns and Greater Western Sydney Giants represent the league's strategic growth into northern markets. As of August 2026, these 18 organizations maintain the professional standard for the sport, employing hundreds of athletes, coaches, and support staff, making them the primary focal point for fans and media alike.

Navigating the Football Ecosystem and Match Access

For those looking to engage with the sport, the distinction between elite and community football is essential. The 18 AFL clubs play a grueling 24-round season, culminating in the Finals Series every September. Fans can access these games through standard ticket distribution channels or via official league broadcasting partners.

Beyond the professional tier, the "Australian football" landscape is vast. Each state—such as the SANFL in South Australia, the WAFL in Western Australia, and the VFL in Victoria—operates its own league structure. These state leagues serve as vital pipelines for the AFL draft, acting as the bridge between amateur talent and professional recruitment. If you are seeking to watch a match this weekend, ensure you clarify whether you are searching for the national AFL broadcast or local state-level coverage, as the tier of the match drastically changes the viewing experience and entry requirements.

Future Expansion and Strategic Growth Cycles

Looking toward the remainder of 2026 and into 2027, the focus of the AFL Commission remains centered on operational stability and high-performance infrastructure. While persistent rumors of a "Tasmanian team" have dominated headlines throughout 2026, the formal integration of a 19th team is a multi-year project involving stadium development and high-level financial commitments.

Any shift in the number of Australian football teams at the elite level will be preceded by rigorous official announcements from the AFL headquarters in Melbourne. For now, the number of teams competing for the Premiership remains strictly 18. As the 2026 season nears its climax, the primary objective for the league is the continued growth of the AFLW brand and the fortification of grassroots participation programs. Keeping track of the "number of teams" is essentially a measure of the sport's health, and as of mid-August 2026, that health remains robust, anchored by its foundational 18-club professional tier.