The New Zealand rugby union hopes to sell licences for its Super rugby franchises by 2013.
The chief executive of the New Zealand rugby union Steve Tew says they have been through a consultation process with provinces and the franchises and are now carrying out more work on how possible licence system may work.
Last year the NZRU made a one million dollar loss with Super rugby.
Tew says there are some things that are sacrosanct however and the ownership of the franchises would remain with the New Zealand union as would the contracting of players.
Steve Tew says a franchise model similar to one used by the Australian A League football competition is one that is being considered.
