And when the Phoenix Reserves feature professionals like Tyler Boyd, Kenny Cunningham, Matthew Ridenton and Michael Boxall, the bottom line is it puts bums on seats.
Even last year's wooden spooners, Wanderers SC - who are a New Zealand U-20 side preparing for next year's World Cup - look a much improved outfit, and led five-time champions Waitakere United 2-0 last weekend before falling 3-2.
But while the addition of the two development teams is great for the Phoenix and the New Zealand U-20s, and has added a host of conversation points, the jury is still out on whether it is actually good for the national league in terms of the credibility of the brand or integrity of the competition.
The rules and regulations are all over the place. It is one of the few leagues in the world where amateurs compete with professionals and opposing teams get to have a final say on who the Phoenix can put on the pitch.
Along with four pros, the Phoenix can add two under-20 professionals from their A-league roster in their match day squad - but only if it is approved by the opposition. Team Wellington approved at the weekend, but it remains to be seen whether others will feel a similar obligation to assist a team they need to beat.
I've spoken with many football fans who lament the inclusion of a second "development" side after Wanderers SC's poor showing last year. "How can you add a team to the league that no one wants to play for," commented a wry media colleague.
Because the irony is that if you are playing well for the Wellington Phoenix Reserves, you are either not playing well enough at all - or are in a "development phase".
But football fans will vote with their feet and the early indications are encouraging. The Wellington derby pulled in an opening round crowd of 600 last weekend, Team Wellington's biggest home crowd in nearly five years.
And if the New Zealand under 20s can put together a run of results in this year's ASB Premiership, and perform credibly at next year's World Cup - being hosted here in New Zealand - their two-year contract in the league will be seen as a big success in retrospect.
Only time will tell whether this summer's double-development experiment is a good one.
Either way, questions remain. Is the league in danger of becoming a perpetual plaything of administrators and mad scientists? Then again, if it's successful, do we keep going with it?
While Wanderers SC will likely cease to exist after next year's World Cup, should we replace them with an All Whites B team? Or a futsal team, perhaps? For that matter, do any of our women's teams need toughening up?
Nobody asked me, but I'd like to suggest a natural progression for 2015-16... Corinthians FC - a national over 35s team led by Ivan Vicelich, and harnessing the talents of our most weatherbeaten footballers.
3 thoughts
Smith needs media training
Tommy Smith's recent comments about reneging on his international exile are unsatisfying. He just wants to "get more football" but we want an inspiring leader committed to the All Whites' cause.
Remember Marco?
Marco Rojas was again an unused sub for German second division club Greuther Furth this weekend. After an exceptionally frustrating year with precious little game time, Rojas will be another looking forward to this month's international window.
Could this be the end for Lochhead?
Tony Lochhead is once again a free agent after his MLS side Chivas USA were dropped from the league last week. The 32-year old defender will now be up for grabs in an MLS supplementary draft this month.
