A-League clubs could be able to sign car sponsors for first time in the competition's decade-long history as part of the terms of a new naming rights deal with major sponsor Hyundai.

The Korean car company has been the naming rights sponsor for the A-League's since the competition's inception under a series of contracts that have restricted clubs from signing other car manufacturers – an industry that is a big sponsor of sport in Australia.

But sources have told The Australian Financial Review restrictions will be lifted from the beginning of the 2016-17 season, giving the A-League's 10 clubs – many of whom are struggling financially – a potential new source of sponsorship income.

Hyundai's renewal of its A-League sponsorship could include lifting of sponsor restrictions on the clubs. Robert Cianflone

A letter recently sent to the clubs said they are able to sign one "club motor vehicle sponsor [with] a minimum investment of $500,000 per year."

"The terms of agreement must not exceed four years and all agreements must expire on or before 30 June 2020 to align with the league naming sponsorship," the directive said.