Why Auckland FC won’t have a women’s team in the 2025/26 A-League Women’s competition

Auckland FC’s inaugural men’s team won the A-League premiership this season but the APL have squashed its chances of creating the same magic with a women’s team.

Auckland FC’s hopes of launching a women’s A-League team this season have been squashed by the APL due to budget constraints and scheduling issues.

The New Zealand club entered the men’s competition this past season and went on to win the premiership.

When announced as an expansion club Auckland FC said it planned to have a women’s team ready for the 25/26 season.

Code Sports understands the club had gone as far as to put together a list of players it wanted to recruit and had even conducted two rounds of interviews with several interested coaches.

Auckland FC CEO Nick Becker told this masthead in April the club was just waiting on approval from the APL.

“Auckland FC remains committed to launching a Ninja A-League women’s team in time for the upcoming 25/26 season, due to start spring 2025,” Becker said.

“From the very start we said we had big ambitions with a goal for Auckland FC to be an inclusive club for everyone.

Auckland FC celebrate with the Premiers Plate after dominating in their first season in the A-League. Picture: Getty Images

Code Sports understands that this approval has still not been given and with the season expected to start in October Auckland have shelved the idea.

The APL has been contacted for comment.

It is no secret the APL is looking to save money where it can.

There have been big staff cuts and restructures for the organisation while the central distribution fund to clubs was slashed last season. 

Annalie Longo’s Wellington Phoenix will remain New Zealand’s only representation in the A-League Women’s competition. Picture: Getty Images

The APL covers the costs of travel for women’s teams in the A-League and also contributes to accommodation costs.

There is already one New Zealand based team, Wellington Phoenix, in the league.

Having a second Kiwi side in the league would add an estimated $400,000 to the APL’s expense list just in flights.

The future of Canberra United is also uncertain. A grant from the ACT Government saved the team from collapsing this past season. Capital Football has made it clear that it does not have the funds to support the team.

Canberra United’s future in the A-League Women’s competition is uncertain. Picture: Getty Images

A buyer is reportedly interested but the sale is yet to be confirmed.

It is unlikely that the team will be allowed to collapse given the APL is obligated to have 12 women’s teams under its broadcast contract.

So if Auckland FC were to join it would be the 13th team in the league – creating a bye round.

Tommy Smith and manager Steve Corica celebrate Auckland FC’s success. Picture: Getty Images

These scheduling issues, made more difficult by the four-week long Asian Cup falling in the middle of the ALW season, are also believed to be a contributing factor to the APL not wanting to proceed with expansion this season.

Central Coast Mariners were the last expansion side to join the ALW – joining for the 2023/24 season after a 14 year absence. In just its second season Mariners won the 2024/25 championship.

Other recent expansion clubs have also had success with Western United making finals in all three of its seasons.

Originally published as Why Auckland FC won’t have a women’s team in the 2025/26 A-League Women’s competition