AFL Expansion Update 2026: A Complete Guide To Australia’s Professional Football Hierarchy
As the 2026 AFL Premiership Season enters its high-stakes final rounds this August, the landscape of Australian Rules Football is more expansive than ever. Currently, there are 18 professional teams competing in the elite men’s Australian Football League (AFL) and 18 teams in the AFLW. However, with the Tasmania Devils officially deep into their foundational phase ahead of a 2028 entry, the national footprint is shifting rapidly toward a 19-team structure.
| Category | Number of Teams | Status (as of August 14, 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| AFL (Elite Men's) | 18 | Active (Round 23 underway) |
| AFLW (Elite Women's) | 18 | Active (Pre-season/Start phase) |
| AFL License 19 | 1 (Tasmania) | In Development (Launch 2028) |
| Major State Leagues | 50+ | SANFL, WAFL, VFL, TSL |
| Community Clubs | 2,500+ | Grassroots nationwide |
The Evolution of the AFL Footprint: From VFL Roots to a National Powerhouse
The current 18-team national competition is the result of decades of strategic expansion from its original Victorian core. In 2026, the league maintains a balanced presence across five Australian states, though the quest for a truly national "20-team" model remains a primary talking point among executives at AFL House. The current roster of clubs is a mix of "Big Four" Victorian giants and powerful interstate franchises that have dominated the premiership tallies in recent years.
The 18 active AFL clubs for the 2026 season are:
- South Australia: Adelaide Crows, Port Adelaide Power.
- Western Australia: Fremantle Dockers, West Coast Eagles.
- New South Wales: Sydney Swans, GWS GIANTS.
- Queensland: Brisbane Lions, Gold Coast SUNS.
- Victoria: Carlton, Collingwood, Essendon, Geelong Cats, Hawthorn, Melbourne, North Melbourne, Richmond, St Kilda, and Western Bulldogs.
While Victoria remains the heartland with ten teams, the interstate clubs currently hold significant sway in the 2026 ladder standings. The geographical spread has ensured that every weekend of the season, high-stakes football is played in every major Australian capital city, driving record-breaking broadcast numbers and stadium attendances.
Navigating the 2026 Finals Race and Broadcast Access
With today’s date of August 14, 2026, the AFL is in the "premiership quarter" of the calendar. Fans are currently focused on the Top 8 as teams fight for a double chance in the September finals. Understanding the volume of teams is critical for fans managing their viewing schedules, as the current 18-team format necessitates a nine-match fixture every week, barring mid-season byes.
For those looking to track the progress of these teams, the 2026 broadcast rights remain split across several major platforms. Seven West Media provides free-to-air coverage, while Fox Footy and Kayo Sports offer every match of the round live and ad-break-free during play. The 18-team structure allows for a "Super Saturday" schedule that has become the cornerstone of the league’s digital engagement strategy, often featuring five consecutive matches across various time zones.
The AFLW has also achieved full parity in terms of team numbers, with all 18 clubs now fielding elite women’s sides. This expansion has doubled the professional opportunities for athletes and solidified the "one club" mentality across the league’s most historic brands.
Australian Football Teams Unique Wall Sport Clock - Etsy
The Road to 19: Tasmania Devils and the 2028 Horizon
The most significant development regarding the number of Australian football teams is the active construction of the Tasmania Devils. While the count stands at 18 today, the 19th license has already been granted, and the club is currently building its administrative and coaching infrastructure. As of August 2026, the Devils are beginning to sign foundational academy players and finalize their inaugural list strategy.
Speculation continues to mount regarding a potential 20th license to even out the bye rounds. The leading contenders discussed in 2026 circles include:
- A third Western Australian team based in Perth’s northern corridor.
- A second South Australian license or a regional "Barossa" entity.
- The Canberra/ACT region, which currently hosts GWS GIANTS home games but seeks a standalone identity.
Until the 20th team is confirmed, the league will manage the logistical challenges of a 19-team competition starting in 2028. For now, the focus remains on the current 18 combatants as they head toward the 2026 Grand Final at the MCG. The depth of the competition has never been higher, with the gap between the top-seeded clubs and the bottom of the ladder reaching record lows this season.
