“It’s a special place and an area that I know will embrace this team.”

Foley’s bid has received its licence from the Australian Professional Leagues, which runs the national men’s and women’s competitions across the Tasman, with Wellington Phoenix already fielding teams in both.

Last month, Newshub reported the offshore bid had headed off another spearheaded by American entrepreneur Marc Mitchell – a minority owner in the NZ Breakers basketball club – and former ASB Classic tournament director Karl Budge, supported by former All Whites captains Ryan Nelsen and Winston Reid, and current Football Ferns skipper Ali Riley.

“In Bill Foley, we have a proven global sports investor and operator, with a track record of building deep roots in the community, a passion for football, and a long-standing business and personal relationship with New Zealand,” said APL chair Stephen Conroy.

“We are delighted to welcome Bill and his team to the A-Leagues, and look forward to seeing the club in action next year.”

More to come