The Government says it's not ruling out or ruling special sport managed isolation exemptions at this stage.
So with no concrete plans in place, teams like the Wellington Phoenix are already preparing for a longer stay across the Tasman.
COVID-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins announced on Tuesday, the phased re-opening of the border, set to begin next month, has been pushed back until at least the end of February.
And MIQ stays for all travellers has increased to 10 days with no self-isolation.
Phoenix coach Ufuk Talay says he had hoped this season would be different after nearly 24 months based in Australia.
Everyone's hoping that we do come back, but honestly I can't see that happening," Talay says.
The team had planned to return to New Zealand in late January for a handful of fixtures in Auckland and Wellington, but those plans are now in peril.
"That's not in our control, I know the group would love to be back home playing in front of our home fans - but it's not realistic to plan for that now."
And the A-League club is not alone in accessing their options after today's Government announcement
The New Zealand Breakers are scheduled to play as many as 14 games at home from early February, but Hipkins has given a glimmer of hope by refusing to rule out, or in, special exemptions for Australian-based sports teams.
As for the Blackcaps, they have just nine days between their one-off T20 in Australia against the world champions and the first test against South Africa at Hagley Oval in February
New Zealand Cricket says they're still digesting the announcement and talking to different groups about the new restrictions.
Super Rugby Pasifika is also likely to be affected with the competition set to kick off on February 18th.
But until any final decisions are made, all teams, including the Phoenix are dealing with the situation as best they can.
Every game is an away game for us," says Talay.
"But the boys understand the situation and at the end of the day I make no excuses for them."
