Canberra United’s A-League Women future has been secured after Australian Sports Group (ASG) took over the licence from Capital Football, with an exclusive option to introduce an A-League Men side for the 2028/29 season.
New ownership ends uncertainty
The Australian Professional Leagues (APL) announced on Friday that ASG has taken charge of the two-time A-League Women champions, ending two years of uncertainty. The club had been propped up by the ACT government after Capital Football opted against continuing to fund the team.
“Canberra is home to a thriving football community – a huge participant and passionate supporter base who have made Canberra United one of the most strongly supported A-League Women teams for the past 18 years,” said ASG chief executive Theo Fotopoulos.
Path to men's team
ASG has an exclusive option to introduce an A-League Men side in the Australian capital for the 2028/29 season. Fotopoulos added: “We’re thrilled to be leading the next generation of professional football in Canberra, taking on the ownership of the Canberra United women’s team with a renewed focus on growth and investment, and progressing towards an integrated professional club with the introduction of an A-League men’s team in season 2028/29.”
The only standalone women’s team across the A-Leagues, Canberra United’s existence had been under threat for nearly two years. The APL’s lengthy wait to find new ownership previously drew fierce criticism from Canberra United captain Michelle Heyman.
APL and government support
APL chair Stephen Conroy said: “This is an exciting next step for professional football in the ACT and highlights the growth opportunity for the A-Leagues and football in Canberra. We’d like to acknowledge the Canberra football community and the ACT government for their strong and ongoing support of Canberra United.”
