There had been reports that Wellington Phoenix was interesting in 'merging' with an A-League expansion candidate from Southern Sydney.

The Phoenix owners are reportedly looking to cash in on the club before their A-League licence expires in 2020.

A-League boss, Greg O'Rourke, recently publicly admonished the club's metrics, confirming speculation that the A-League wasn't content with Wellington's current slump in form, attendance and television ratings.

Phoenix Chairman, Rob Morrison, said the ownership group will "not be making any decision on the future of this club" until the A-League's future "is clearer."

“As has been well reported in recent times, the A-League is in transition including a significant investigation by FIFA into the best governance model for the FFA and the impacts this will have on A-League and its independence," Morrison said.
 
‘’The FFA has a stated desire, noted without consultation with the clubs through APFCA, to expand the A-League. This has instigated a storm of speculation around licences.
 
“It is not appropriate for any further speculation and we will not be making any decision on the future of this club until the future of the A-League is clearer which may not be for some time.
 
“Ultimately we remain focussed on our two key metrics – attendance at home games and viewership on Sky.”