What is the A-League Women?
The A-League Women is Australia's top professional women's football (soccer) competition. It began in 2008 as the W-League and was renamed in 2021.
The league started with eight teams linked to A-League clubs. It has grown to include more clubs and a longer season.
Many Matildas players developed in the league, and international stars have played in it.
Growth after the World Cup
Interest grew after the 2023 Women's World Cup. Crowds and broadcast audiences rose.
Clubs such as Sydney FC and Melbourne City have been successful.
Matches are played mostly in summer.
Because the season runs during the Australian summer, players from the Northern Hemisphere leagues have sometimes joined clubs in Australia during their own off-season, raising the standard of play. Players' pay and conditions have improved through agreements negotiated by the players' union, Professional Footballers Australia. The league has also introduced a full home-and-away season, giving clubs more matches and more chances to build their fan bases. Some games are played as double-headers with men's matches.
Did You Know?
Sam Kerr played in the W-League for Perth Glory and Sydney FC.