I think what's being said here is really relevant, regardless of those that decry this thread and don't want to think about it. I don' think there is any question that having high-profile NZ teams in Australian competitions hurts local leagues. It has happened in rugby league, basketball and is happening in football. The Super Rugby competition involving teams from NZ, Oz and SA has also seen a marked decline in interest in provincial NZ rugby, once a hotbed of support. The local media simply aren't interested in local competitions when more "glamorous" Australian/international competitions are on offer. Media interest means bums on seats.
The failure of Team Wellington to attract supporters, despite fielding a very good side, highlights the dilemma. That less than 200 bothered to go to Dave Farrington Park to see the recent game against ACFC, O League champions about to head off to the CWC, was a great shame. In fact I'd go as far as to say it was insulting to the players of both sides who are really delivering it on the field. At least the same fixture at Kiwitea Street would have pulled in over 1000.
Now we have all of Auckland's so-called football media fixated on the fact the Phoenix are coming to Eden Park on the 13th. Probably 18,000+ will turn out for an A League game (please Mr Dome - don't move more Phoenix games to Auckland). Most of those who go wouldn't go to an ACFC or Waitakere game in the ASBP because it's not hyped or glamorous enough. ACFC recently drew with Uzbekistan and didn't even get a mention on TVNZ sports news.