WOMEN ONSIDE URGES FOOTBALL LEADERS TO OUTLINE VISION FOR A-LEAGUE WOMEN FOLLOWING CENTRAL COAST MARINERS’ OWNERSHIP DECISION

MEDIA RELEASE 

June, 25 2026

Women Onside has called on Football Australia (FA), the Australian Professional Leagues (APL) and the Women's Football Council to provide greater clarity on the future direction of the A-League Women competition following the announcement that the Central Coast Mariners' men's team and academy have been sold separately from the women's professional team.

Women Onside recognises that standalone investment in women's football may represent an exciting opportunity for the continued growth and professionalisation of the women's game in Australia.

Around the world, standalone ownership models are attracting new investment, creating distinct club identities and accelerating the commercial development of women's football. If this transaction signals a broader evolution of the Australian market, it deserves thoughtful consideration and open discussion.

However, if the separation of the Mariners' men's and women's programs represents a significant shift in the ownership and governance of women's football, stakeholders deserve greater transparency regarding the strategy, safeguards and long-term vision underpinning that change.

That uncertainty matters. Without a confirmed owner, there are real questions about player contracting, staffing, commercial planning, football operations, academy pathways and preparation for the 2026/27 A-League Women season.

If the separation of the Mariners’ men’s and women’s programs represents a significant shift in the ownership and governance of women’s football, stakeholders deserve greater transparency regarding the strategy, safeguards and long-term vision underpinning that change.

Women Onside is seeking clarification regarding:

• whether this transaction represents a broader move towards standalone ownership of A-League Women clubs;

• how the separation of the women's academy pathway will affect the long-term sustainability and competitiveness of the Mariners' A-League Women team;

• what contingency plans are in place should a new investor not be secured ahead of the 2026/27 season;

• what consideration was given to the broader governance and competition implications of the decision;

• how Football Australia is ensuring any remaining regulatory approvals are assessed independently, rigorously and in the best interests of the women's game; and

• whether this decision forms part of a wider strategic vision for the future structure of professional women's football in Australia.

Women Onside also believes this is an important moment for the Women's Football Council to provide leadership and clarity.

As the body established to represent the interests of women's football and holding a constitutional voice within Australian football's governance framework, the Council has an important role to play in helping stakeholders understand the opportunities, risks and long-term implications of decisions of this significance.

Kerry Harris, Chair of Women Onside, said the development had the potential to represent either a significant opportunity or a significant challenge for women's football in Australia.

"Women's football in Australia needs investment, innovation and ambitious thinking. New ownership models may well play an important role in the future growth of the game," Harris said.

"If this transaction represents the beginning of a new approach to ownership and investment in women's football, that is a conversation worth having.

"But players, staff, supporters, commercial partners and the broader football community deserve confidence that there is a clear strategy and a sustainable pathway forward.

"This is about more than the future of one club. It goes to the heart of how Australian football sees the future of the women's professional game.

"With the A-League Women season due to commence in October, certainty matters. Greater transparency now will help build confidence that any new ownership model is being implemented as part of a considered strategy for growth, sustainability and long-term success."

Women Onside supports responsible investment in women's football and welcomes initiatives that strengthen the sustainability, visibility and commercial success of the women's game.

However, meaningful structural change must be accompanied by transparency, accountability and confidence that the long-term interests of women's football remain at the centre of decision-making.

About Women Onside  

Women Onside is a national independent, member-based organisation established in 2017 to advocate for women and girls in football and to advance gender equality, good governance and the long-term growth of the game in Australia.

Women Onside was formed to help ensure that gender equality principles were embedded in Football Australia’s governance framework, including through the Congress reform process and the adoption of the 40:40:20 gender representation model.

Its members come from across the football ecosystem, including current and former players, coaches, administrators, directors, lawyers, academics, volunteers and commercial leaders in Australia and abroad. Women Onside continues to advocate for a football system in which women and girls are visible, valued and able to lead at every level of the game.

For media enquiries contact comms@womenonside.com.au