The Central Coast Mariners women's team has been excluded from Total Soccer Growth Holdings' purchase of the A-League club, leaving the 2024-25 title winners without owners ahead of the new season.
APL chief executive Steve Rosich said due diligence showed the women's operation could not be included in TSG's takeover. The new owners will control the men's A-League side and both academy teams, but not the championship-winning women's squad.
The APL has until 31 July to find new owners for the Mariners women if the team is to compete when the season kicks off in October. Coach Kory Babington will not have his contract renewed next season if the club survives.
The situation adds to uncertainty in the women's competition, which dropped to 11 teams last season after Western United went into hibernation. Canberra United also has a funding question mark hanging over it heading into the new campaign.
Rosich said there was considerable interest in women's specific investment in the A-Leagues.
Wellington Phoenix general manager David Dome said his club anticipated a competitive 11-team competition would go ahead and backed the APL to secure ownership for both troubled clubs before the season. The Phoenix reached the grand final in 2025-26, their best finish to date.
Auckland FC said their plans had not changed around their deferred entry into the women's league in 2027-28.