W-League to become A-League as men’s and women’s professional football unites in Australia

Australia’s top-flight men’s and women’s football competitions will both be known as the A-League, as part of the sport’s domestic rebranding.

In a move to further solidify football’s claim of being Australia’s most inclusive sport, the new A-Leagues brand will unite men’s, women’s and youth leagues under the one banner.

The three competitions will be known as A-League Men, A-League Women and A-League Youth.

It means the national women’s competition will no longer be called the W-League, in a move to strengthen gender equality in Australian football.

“It’s no longer men’s football, or women’s football, it’s just football,” Australian Professional Leagues managing director Danny Townsend said.

“We’re committed to growing the game in Australia – for everyone.

“That means delivering a world-class experience on and off the pitch, and inspiring the next generation of A-Leagues superstars to fulfil their highest potential.

“This is just the beginning of our ambitious, long-term vision for the growth of football in Australia.”

The A-Leagues brand is “aimed at a more equitable approach and tapping into the country’s youngest and most diverse fan base”.

APL chief commercial officer Ant Hearne said: “We know our fans live and breathe football, so we want to create the best possible experience in the stadium, at home, on the move, through gaming or fashion or food.

“However fans want to connect with football, we will deliver.”

The A-Leagues will move to unified social media channels for men’s and women’s football, and launch a new website.

The A-League men’s competition is scheduled to kick off on November 19, while the A-League women’s competition will start on December 3.