"We are now a player in the mainstream.
"The visits of Manchester United and Liverpool mean football can own the sports media landscape for a week. This is unprecedented and presents a massive opportunity for the A-League."
That both clubs are visiting Australia in addition to lucrative stops in the Far East underlines football's status as the global game.
And that offers commercial potential that neither cricket, not any of the other football codes can get close to.
"Football can be a bridge to Asia like no other sport we play," said Patterson.
"We don't have any language or cultural similarities to our near neighbours to the north, but football is the common pastime.
"Across the various age groups we have 45 international fixtures in Asia over the next 12 months with our national teams and clubs.
"This is the fastest growing football region in the world and the visits of Manchester United and Liverpool are just a little snap shot of the very exciting developments."
With United in particular, Australia finds itself in a unique position.
When United confirmed a week-long training camp ahead of their first game in the country since 1999, no-one knew David Moyes would be manager rather than Sir Alex Ferguson and the senior coaches were going to be changed as well.
In addition doubts remain over the future of Wayne Rooney, who remains one of the most popular players within the United squad, even if it is acknowledged the England man's exit would almost certainly be compensated for with the arrival of an alternative high-class talent.
"It would be disappointing for many Manchester United fans if Wayne Rooney wasn't part of the tour, but these kinds of things happen in football," said Patterson.
"Some other star would come instead. It is the popularity of Liverpool and Manchester United as clubs that is driving these matches, not individual players."
The make-up of the A-League All Stars team will not be known until much nearer the game itself given the complicated selection procedure.
However, Australia's top overseas players, including Alessandro del Piero - providing his release can be secured from Sydney FC - and Emile Heskey should be involved.
In addition, older players like Harry Kewell and Brett Emerton, well known to the Premier League but seemingly no longer required for national service, will also come into contention.
"The All Stars will have a very attractive team," said Patterson.
"The A-League has just had its best season ever. Average attendance was 12,400, which is closing the gap on the National Rugby League, and we had our highest ever pay-TV audiences of around 80,000 per game.
"Australian football has its best years ahead of it.
"Manchester United and Liverpool are coming here in pre-season with something to prove.
"They will be trying to impress their manager and in Manchester United's case that is definitely true given David Moyes has just taken over."
Edited by Thom Gibbs
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