Bula Boys Named Among Eight in OFC Pro League’s Inaugural Lineup

Bula Boys FC to Represent Fiji as OFC Pro League Names Eight-Club Inaugural Lineup

The Oceania Football Confederation has confirmed eight clubs for the region’s first ever OFC Professional League, set to kick off in January 2026 and run through May 2026. Among the eight, Fiji’s Bula Boys FC will represent the island nation, while Ba FC has been excluded from the final list after the licensing process.

The eight clubs are Bula Boys FC (Fiji), Hekari United FC (Papua New Guinea), Solomon Kings FC (Solomon Islands), Tahiti United FC (Tahiti), Vanuatu FC (Vanuatu), Auckland FC (New Zealand), Christchurch United FC (New Zealand), and South Melbourne FC (Australia). The presence of South Melbourne FC marks the sole side from outside the OFC region in the eight-team lineup. The eight teams are still subject to final compliance checks before the season begins.

This league is positioned as the region’s first professional competition and will serve as Oceania’s direct qualifier for the FIFA Club World Cup 2029. Each club is slated to play a minimum of 17 matches, with the competition employing a circuit-series format across the Pacific.

Competition format and schedule details have been outlined to feature five circuit-series rounds in a double round-robin arrangement, followed by playoff groups where the top teams advance to semifinals and, ultimately, the final. Fixtures are planned as home-and-away matches, with potential venues across New Zealand, Australia and other partner locations in the Pacific, in addition to matches back in Fiji and the other participating nations.

The licensing process has been a central element of this rollout. A cap in the rules allows up to two clubs from a single OFC member association to reach the final eight, and organizers have stressed that clubs must obtain the OFC Professional League Club License to participate. The process has generated broad regional interest, with 24 clubs expressing initial interest and a structured path toward eight teams in the inaugural season.

What this means for Fiji and the wider Pacific region is a landmark moment for professional football. The Bula Boys’ inclusion signals a hopeful era of higher-level competition for Fijian players and fans, while the absence of Ba underscores the competitive nature of licensing and selection. The league promises increased exposure, potential sponsorship, and stronger development pathways, building on Oceania’s expanding profile in world football as the region prepares for the 2026 World Cup expansion.

Outlook and potential impact
– The eight-club lineup is a bold step toward professionalizing football in Oceania, with opportunities for cross-border matchups, increased broadcasting interest, and regional partnerships.
– If successful, the OFC Pro League could drive investment in infrastructure, youth development, and coaching standards across member associations, including Fiji.
– The league’s structure and its link to the FIFA Club World Cup 2029 provide a clear incentive for clubs to improve professional operations, from licensing compliance to travel logistics.

Summary
The OFC has officially named eight clubs for the inaugural Pro League, with Fiji’s Bula Boys FC earning a spot and Ba FC sidelined. The competition launches in January 2026, features a circuit-series format with a minimum of 17 matches per team, and aims to elevate Pacific football while offering a pathway to the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup. The coming months will shape licensing outcomes, sponsor partnerships, and the final logistics for a landmark season across the Pacific.