How Many Australian Football Teams Are There? 2026 AFL Season Standings And Expansion Update
As of August 13, 2026, the landscape of professional Australian Rules Football remains anchored by 18 elite clubs competing in the Australian Football League (AFL). With the 2026 home-and-away season nearing its dramatic conclusion, the league structure is under more scrutiny than ever as fans look toward a rapidly approaching era of expansion. While 18 teams currently battle for the premiership, the total number of Australian football teams across all levels—including women's leagues and state competitions—numbers in the thousands.
| League Level | Number of Teams | Key Competition |
|---|---|---|
| Professional (Men) | 18 | AFL Premiership |
| Professional (Women) | 18 | AFLW |
| Major State Leagues | 40+ | VFL, SANFL, WAFL, TSL |
| Community/Grassroots | 2,500+ | Local District Leagues |
The Elite Tier: 18 Clubs Vying for the 2026 Premiership
The national competition is currently comprised of 18 licensed clubs. This structure has remained stable since the introduction of the Greater Western Sydney Giants in 2012. These teams are geographically distributed across five Australian states, with Victoria remaining the heartland of the sport.
The 18 professional clubs currently active in the 2026 season are:
- Adelaide Crows (SA)
- Brisbane Lions (QLD)
- Carlton Blues (VIC)
- Collingwood Magpies (VIC)
- Essendon Bombers (VIC)
- Fremantle Dockers (WA)
- Geelong Cats (VIC)
- Gold Coast Suns (QLD)
- Greater Western Sydney Giants (NSW)
- Hawthorn Hawks (VIC)
- Melbourne Demons (VIC)
- North Melbourne Kangaroos (VIC)
- Port Adelaide Power (SA)
- Richmond Tigers (VIC)
- St Kilda Saints (VIC)
- Sydney Swans (NSW)
- West Coast Eagles (WA)
- Western Bulldogs (VIC)
In the AFLW (Women's) space, the league reached full "18-team symmetry" in 2022, meaning every men's professional club now operates a corresponding women's professional team. This has solidified the "One Club" model across the national landscape, effectively doubling the number of professional elite-level squads representing these historic brands.
Beyond the AFL: Grassroots Growth and Regional Powerhouses
While the 18 AFL clubs capture the majority of global media attention, they represent only the tip of the iceberg. The "how many" question depends heavily on whether one counts semi-professional and community organizations. Below the AFL sits a robust network of state leagues that serve as the primary talent pathway for the national draft.
The VFL (Victorian Football League), SANFL (South Australian National Football League), and WAFL (West Australian Football League) are the three premier state-based competitions. These leagues consist of historic clubs, some of which—like Port Adelaide or Carlton—have lineages dating back to the mid-19th century. In 2026, these state leagues continue to draw significant crowds, often exceeding 10,000 spectators for major rivalry matches.
At the community level, the AFL’s 2025-2026 census data indicates that there are over 2,500 organized Australian Rules football clubs nationwide. This includes junior "Auskick" centers, amateur senior divisions, and regional country leagues. This grassroots network is the lifeblood of the sport, ensuring that even in non-traditional territories like Queensland and New South Wales, the number of active teams continues to rise.
The Road to 19: Tasmania Devils and Future Expansion Progress
The most significant development in the 2026 season involves the progress of the Tasmania Devils. Officially granted the 19th AFL license, the Devils are currently in their foundational phase. While they are not yet competing on the field in the senior 2026 AFL season, the club has already established its administrative headquarters and is actively recruiting for its inaugural football department.
Key milestones for the 19th team as of August 2026 include:
- Stadium Progress: Construction is currently underway at the Macquarie Point stadium site in Hobart.
- Brand Identity: The "Devils" moniker and traditional green, yellow, and red colors have seen record-breaking merchandise sales this year.
- Entry Date: The AFL has tentatively scheduled the Tasmania Devils to begin full premiership competition in the 2028 season.
The addition of a 19th team has sparked intense debate regarding a 20th license to prevent a weekly "bye" in the schedule. Potential candidates currently being scouted by the AFL Commission include a third team in Western Australia or a second team in South Australia. However, for the remainder of the 2026 calendar, the professional count remains strictly at 18 active teams.
