Current and future Matildas stars get behind new Ninja A-League Women announcement

The newly named Ninja A-League promises even better investment of women’s football. See what Matildas stars Lydia Williams, Tameka Yallop and Maddie Caspers think of the new deal.

Lydia Williams, Tameka Yallop and Maddie Caspers at the launch of the new Ninja A-League. Picture: A-Leagues

Current and future Matildas are right behind the new investment in women’s football following the announcement of a new naming rights partner for the A-League Women.

The competition will now be known as the Ninja A-League with tech company SharkNinja announced as the new title sponsor, while matches available on free-to-air television increasing from one in 2023-24 to at least 10 for the upcoming season.

Recently retired national player and Melbourne Victory goalkeeper Lydia Williams said the new investment is bringing the league in line with the rest of the world.

Former Matilda and current Melbourne Victory goalkeeper Lydia Williams at the launch of the new Ninja A-League. Picture: William Bleakley

“Most importantly it teaches Australian footballers that this is what professionalism is,” Williams said.

“It’s really at the forefront (compared to) other codes and it shows women who want to choose a career in sport full time that there is real investment in football.

“It’s honestly just really exciting and an obvious step up to where other leagues in the world are sitting.”

Along with more matches available on Channel 10, the APL announced a new junior pass for fans under 16-years-old to be able to attend matches for the first four rounds of the season for free.

Current Matildas and Brisbane Roar defender Tameka Yallop said making it easy and accessible for younger fans to watch matches is how fanbases grow.

“The love of the game grows in your own home,” Yallop said.

“So I think it’s going to be massive, not just this season but supporting and building together for the future.”

Rising Sydney FC talent and Young Matilda, Maddie Caspers, said it’s crazy to see how much the women’s game has grown especially since last year’s Women’s World Cup.

“The visibility and media around the league has really increased,” Caspers said.

“And new partners like with SharkNinja will only help build that atmosphere and create a family around women’s football.”

Originally published as Current and future Matildas stars get behind new Ninja A-League Women announcement