The auction for the third season of Nepal Super League (NSL) will take place on February 22.

NSL organiser Nepal Sports and Event Management announced the date of auction on Thursday.

A total of seven teams will compete in this year’s tournament, including defending champions Lalitpur City, former champions Kathmandu Rayzrs, Jhapa, Chitwan, Pokhara Thunders, Butwal Lumbini and Dhangadhi.

Sporting Ilam and Birgunj United, both of whom entered the NSL last season, have opted out of participation.

The league featured seven teams in its inaugural season as well.

According to the organisers, franchises are allowed to retain between two and three players from last season and must assemble a 22- to 23-member squad. Each team is required to sign one marquee player, two to three A-grade players, six B-grade players, three C-grade players, one D-grade player, one rookie, six foreign or iconic players, and one non-resident player. The foreign player quota mandates the inclusion of at least one athlete from an Asian nation.