Canberra United’s future has been secured after the A-League Women club was rescued by Australian Sports Group (ASG), which also holds 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 over the licence from Capital Football, ending two years of uncertainty for the two-time champions. The club had been under threat after Capital Football opted against continuing to fund the team, relying on support from the ACT government to stay afloat.
ASG chief executive Theo Fotopoulos expressed enthusiasm about the takeover: “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. 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.”
Impact on Canberra United and Women's Football
Canberra United was the only standalone women’s team across the A-Leagues, and its precarious financial situation drew fierce criticism from captain Michelle Heyman. The APL’s lengthy search for new ownership had raised concerns about the club’s viability.
APL chair Stephen Conroy welcomed the development: “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.”
The ACT government’s financial backing over the past two years proved crucial in keeping the club operational until a permanent owner was found. With ASG now in charge, the club aims to build on its strong supporter base and competitive legacy.
