The Australia A-League is the premier professional men's football league in Australia and New Zealand, representing the top tier of the sport in the region. Operated by the Australian Professional Leagues, it is the highest level of club competition in the country and a key member of the Asian Football Confederation. Founded in 2004 as a successor to the National Soccer League, the league is headquartered in Sydney. Its main competition consists of a 26-round regular season followed by a finals series playoff, culminating in the Grand Final to decide the champion. The league currently features 12 clubs from major cities across Australia and New Zealand. The A-League is characterized by its salary cap system, designed to promote parity, and its significant commercial growth and broadcast reach. It has been instrumental in developing Australian talent and attracting international stars, boosting the sport's profile. The highest team honor is winning the A-League Premiership (regular season) and Championship (finals), while individual awards include the Johnny Warren Medal for MVP and the Golden Boot.