A-League Men
| File:A-League Men logo.svg Logo since 2021 | |
| Company type | Professional sports league |
|---|---|
| Industry | Association football |
| Predecessor | National Soccer League |
| Founded | April 2004 |
| Headquarters | Australia |
Area served | Australia, New Zealand |
| Products | Professional men's soccer competition |
| Owner | Australian Professional Leagues |
| Parent | Australian Professional Leagues |
| Website | aleagues |
A-League Men, commercially referred to as the Isuzu UTE A-League, stands as the foremost professional soccer competition in Australia and New Zealand, representing the highest level within the Australian soccer league hierarchy. Established in 2004 by the Australian Soccer Association to succeed the National Soccer League, its inaugural season commenced in August 2005.
The league is governed by Australian Professional Leagues (APL) and comprises twelve clubs—ten based in Australia and two located in New Zealand. Operating from October through May, the season features a 27-round regular schedule followed by a finals series contested by the top six teams, culminating in a grand final match. The team finishing first after the regular rounds earns the title of 'Premier', whereas the winner of the grand final is crowned the season’s Champion, a distinction that contrasts with other Australian football codes.
Leading teams secure qualification for Asian continental tournaments such as the AFC Champions League Elite and AFC Champions League Two. A landmark achievement occurred in 2014 when Western Sydney Wanderers FC became the first Australian club to claim the AFC Champions League title. The league operates without promotion or relegation systems and enforces a salary cap, paralleling practices seen in Major League Soccer in the United States and various Australian professional sports leagues. The men's competition is integrated under the A-Leagues umbrella alongside corresponding women's and youth divisions.
Background
Prior to the inception of the A-League, Australia's national round-robin soccer competition was conducted under the National Soccer League (NSL), which was created following Australia's qualification for the 1974 FIFA World Cup. The NSL began in 1977 with an initial lineup of 14 clubs.
Administered by the Australian Soccer Federation (later renamed Soccer Australia), the NSL experienced growth throughout the 1980s and early 1990s but later suffered decline due to player migration overseas, an unsuccessful television agreement with the Seven Network, and diminishing sponsorship support. During this period, only clubs such as Sydney Olympic, Perth Glory, and Adelaide United managed to maintain progress amid challenges.
In April 2003, the Australian Federal Government appointed the Independent Soccer Review Committee to evaluate governance and operational management across Australian soccer, including an assessment of the NSL. The December 2003 Crawford Report concluded that the NSL was financially unsustainable. Following this, Football Federation Australia chairman Frank Lowy established a task force tasked with designing a new national competition to replace the NSL, which ceased operations after completing its 2003–04 season after 27 years.
Foundations
Announced in April 2004 as a replacement for the NSL, the A-League was set to launch with eight teams representing Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Newcastle, one New Zealand franchise, and an additional club from either Melbourne or Sydney. The league’s start date was planned for August 2005.
By June that year, twenty proposals had been submitted, which were subsequently narrowed down to twelve finalists competing for eight available spots by July. These bids included three from Melbourne, two each from Sydney and Brisbane, one from each other targeted city, plus an entry from Gosford in New South Wales’ Central Coast region. After evaluation, on 1 November 2004, eight successful bids were confirmed alongside announcement of a major sponsor. The competition adopted the name 'Hyundai A-League' following a naming rights agreement with Hyundai Motor Company.
The inaugural clubs comprised Adelaide United, Central Coast Mariners, Melbourne Victory, Newcastle Jets, New Zealand Knights, Perth Glory, Queensland Roar, and Sydney FC. Four former NSL sides transitioned into this new format: Adelaide United, Newcastle Jets, Perth Glory, and Queensland Lions (rebranded as Queensland Roar). The New Zealand Knights succeeded the previous Football Kingz franchise. Each team was granted a five-year exclusivity arrangement under a "one-city, one-team" policy designed to build strong regional identities and promote market development without intra-city rivalry.
Early seasons
The first A-League season kicked off on 26 August 2005, approximately sixteen months after the conclusion of the NSL. Adelaide United finished as premiers, ending the season seven points clear of Sydney FC, with Central Coast and Newcastle rounding out the top four. Sydney FC secured the championship by narrowly defeating Central Coast 1–0, thanks to a goal from Steve Corica on 5 March 2006.
In the subsequent season, Melbourne Victory claimed the premiers title, overpowering Adelaide United 6–0 in the grand final held at Telstra Dome, notably featuring Archie Thompson’s remarkable five-goal haul. This season also marked a key franchise transition: the New Zealand Knights were replaced by Wellington Phoenix due to poor results and management difficulties, with New Zealand Football stepping in to preserve a New Zealand presence within the competition.
Expansion and restructuring
The league welcomed Gold Coast United and North Queensland Fury for the 2009–10 season. On 12 June 2009, Melbourne Heart was granted a licence to join the 2010–11 season. However, North Queensland Fury had their licence revoked on 1 March 2011 due to financial instability, followed by Gold Coast United losing their licence on 29 February 2012. Subsequently, on 4 April 2012, Western Sydney Wanderers were introduced as a new club for the 2012–13 season. In January 2014, Melbourne Heart underwent acquisition by the City Football Group and was rebranded as Melbourne City prior to the 2014–15 season.
In February 2018, plans were announced to expand the league to twelve teams for the 2019–20 season, confirming Western United’s entry in 2019–20 and Macarthur FC joining in 2020–21. Leading up to this expansion, stakeholders engaged with Football Federation Australia (FFA) amid growing tensions over league governance. An independent review backed by FIFA in August 2018 recommended transitioning control of the A-League to an autonomous body run by clubs.
On 1 July 2019, FFA consented to hand over league management to clubs through the Australian Professional Leagues consortium, supported by investment from American firm Silver Lake. This move aligned governance structures with common European football frameworks. In May 2021, officials announced synchronization with the Domestic Match Calendar to prevent clashes with FIFA international dates and introduced both a Domestic Transfer System and National Club Licensing regulations.
On 8 August 2025, Football Australia’s regulatory authority revoked Western United’s A-League licence due to non-compliance with established criteria, resulting in immediate removal from both A-League Men and Women competitions. The club has since filed an appeal against this decision.
Regular season
The regular season predominantly takes place during Australia’s summer months, spanning from early October through April. Beginning with the 2024–25 season, the league expanded to include Auckland FC, increasing the schedule to 29 rounds. Each club faces every other team two or three times, totaling 26 matches: consisting of 24 standard home-and-away fixtures plus two additional third encounters (one occurring during Unite Round). Each team also receives three byes. When a team hosts an opponent twice in one season, they will host them only once in the following season. Victories earn three points while draws grant one point. The team finishing first is awarded the title of A-League Premiers and qualifies for the AFC Champions League since its inception in 2005–06. The Premier is also presented with the Premier's Plate trophy.
Following completion of the regular season, the six highest-ranked teams progress to the finals series. Standings are determined by total points accumulated, with ties resolved using these criteria in order:
- Superior goal difference;
- Greater number of goals scored;
- Highest number of wins;
- Points earned in head-to-head matches among tied clubs;
- Goal difference in those head-to-head games;
- Goals scored in those head-to-head contests;
- Fewest red cards received;
- Fewest yellow cards received;
- Coin toss decision.
Unite Round
For the 2023–24 and 2024–25 campaigns, the Australian Professional Leagues introduced the "Unite Round," where all fixtures are played in Sydney at Allianz Stadium and CommBank Stadium, with select women's matches held at Leichhardt Oval during the second weekend of January. This event was established through a collaboration with Destination NSW and came following the reversal of a contentious Grand Final venue decision in October 2023, which was altered due to fan opposition.
Pride Round
After Adelaide United player Josh Cavallo publicly came out as the first openly gay male footballer in top-tier Australian football in October 2021, the A-League joined forces with A-League Women to host a combined Pride doubleheader for both men's and women's matches during the 2021–22 season.
Between 24 and 26 February 2023, the inaugural Pride Round took place for both A-League Men and Women, jointly advocating for LGBTQIA+ inclusivity. A portion of ticket revenue was allocated to support Pride Cup. In 2024, the Australian Professional Leagues pledged to continue this round annually, also offering inclusion training to players and key stakeholders through partnerships with the PFA and Pride Cup. Each March features the annual Pride Cup double-header between Adelaide United and Melbourne Victory, where teams engage with community organizations and don rainbow-themed apparel and accessories.
Finals series
The season’s top six teams advance to a four-week finals series that concludes with the grand final, where the champion is awarded the A-League Champions Trophy. The structure begins with single-elimination matches among teams ranked third through sixth in week one. Victors then join the first and second-placed sides in two-legged ties over the next two weeks. The two remaining teams then compete in the grand final—a format implemented starting from the 2021–22 season.
Prior to 2022, hosting rights for the grand final were granted to the higher-ranked finalist unless their venue was deemed unsuitable by FFA authorities—for example, in 2008 when Central Coast Mariners' smaller stadium led to relocation of the final to Sydney Football Stadium.
On 12 December 2022, the Australian Professional Leagues declared that Sydney would host grand finals over three consecutive seasons (2022–23 to 2024–25), a decision that met with considerable fan disapproval. This choice was overturned on 18 October 2023, restoring traditional hosting privileges and introducing "Unite Round" as an alternative Sydney-based event.
Grand final host stadium
| Stadium | Location | No. hosted | Years hosted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sydney Football Stadium | Sydney | 4 | 2006, 2008, 2013, 2017 |
| Melbourne Rectangular Stadium | Melbourne | 4 | 2015, 2021, 2022, 2025 |
| Docklands Stadium | 3 | 2007, 2009, 2010 | |
| Lang Park | Brisbane | 3 | 2011, 2012, 2014 |
| Western Sydney Stadium | Sydney | 2 | 2020, 2023 |
| Adelaide Oval | Adelaide | 1 | 2016 |
| Newcastle International Sports Centre | Newcastle | 1 | 2018 |
| Perth Stadium | Perth | 1 | 2019 |
| Central Coast Stadium | Gosford | 1 | 2024 |
AFC Champions League Elite
Since 2007, Australian A-League teams have been eligible to compete in the AFC Champions League. However, Wellington Phoenix and Auckland FC are excluded from participation in both the Asian and OFC Champions Leagues. Qualification criteria are based on league standings and the winner of the Australia Cup, with entry slots distributed according to the AFC Club Competitions Ranking. After the AFC Champions League transitioned to a September-to-spring calendar, the 2023–24 qualification process granted a single berth to the club with the highest aggregate points across the 2021–22 and 2022–23 seasons.
The sole Australian club to have won the AFC Champions League is Western Sydney Wanderers in 2014, while Adelaide United finished as runners-up in 2008.
AFC Champions League Two
Australian sides made their debut in the AFC Cup during the 2023–24 season, with slot allocations determined by the 2021 AFC Club Competitions Ranking. Notably, Central Coast Mariners secured victory in their inaugural campaign.
Other competitions
During the 2004–05 season, while still affiliated with the Oceania Football Confederation, Sydney FC earned qualification for the Oceania Club Championship by defeating Central Coast Mariners in a preliminary playoff.
Since 2014, clubs have competed annually in the Australia Cup, a knockout tournament formerly known as the FFA Cup. Beginning in 2021, the top eight teams gain direct entry into the Round of 32, whereas the bottom four vie for the remaining two places through playoff matches.
Between 2005 and 2008, teams participated in the A-League Pre-Season Challenge Cup held prior to each A-League season. Additionally, in 2013 and 2014, an A-League All Stars Game showcased league talent against prominent international opposition, boosting both exposure and fan interest.
Most A-League Men clubs also field squads in the A-League Youth, a national development and reserve competition for players aged 16 to 21, permitting up to four over-age senior players. The premier women's competition, A-League Women, operates alongside and is affiliated with the men's league. The A-League Youth competition has been on hiatus since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
To enhance professional second-tier development, plans for a Australian Championship are underway. This initiative aims to complement the A-League by introducing a promotion-relegation framework similar to European football leagues, moving away from Australia's current franchise-based structure.
Clubs
The league currently comprises twelve teams: ten based in Australia and two from New Zealand. Since its establishment, sixteen clubs have competed. Only four—Adelaide United, Brisbane Roar (formerly Queensland Lions), Newcastle Jets, and Perth Glory—existed prior to the A-League's founding in 2004. Past participants include Gold Coast United, New Zealand Knights, North Queensland Fury, and Western United.
The A-League functions without promotion or relegation, utilizing a franchise model akin to other Australian professional leagues, as well as North American sports leagues like Major League Soccer.
Melbourne CityMelbourne VictoryNewcastle Jets Perth GlorySydney FC Wellington Phoenix Western Sydney Wanderers| Future clubs | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Team | City | State | Stadium | Capacity | Founded | Joined | ||
| 'Unnamed Canberra club' (proposed) | 'Canberra' | 'Australian Capital Territory' | 'TBC' | 'TBC' | '2023' | '2026' | ||
| Former clubs | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Team | City | State | Stadium | Capacity | Founded | Joined | Exited | |
| ' Gold Coast United ' | ' Gold Coast ' | 'Queensland ' | ' Skilled Park ' | '27,690' | '2008' | '2009' | '2012' | |
| ' New Zealand Knights ' | 'Auckland ' | ' Auckland ' | 'North Harbour Stadium ' | '22,000' | '1998' | '2005' | '2007' | |
| ' North Queensland Fury ' | 'Townsville ' | 'Queensland ' | ' Dairy Farmers Stadium ' | '26,500' | '2008' | '2009' | '2011' | |
| ' Western United ' | 'City of Wyndham ' | 'Victoria (Australia) ' | ' Ironbark Fields ' | '5,000' | '2017' | '2019' | '2025' | |
Timeline
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bar:1 color:Full from:2005 till:end text:Adelaide United (2005/06–present)
bar:2 color:Full from:2005 till:end text:Queensland Roar (2005/06–2008/09), then Brisbane Roar (2009/10–present)
bar:3 color:Full from:2005 till:end text:Central Coast Mariners (2005/06–present)
bar:4 color:Full from:2005 till:end text:Melbourne Victory (2005/06–present)
bar:5 color:Full from:2005 till:end text:Newcastle Jets (2005/06–present)
bar:6 color:Full from:2005 till:end text:Perth Glory (2005/06–present)
bar:7 color:Full from:2005 till:end text:Sydney FC (2005/06–present)
bar:8 color:Former from:2005 till:2007 text:New Zealand Knights (2005/06–2006/07)
bar:9 color:Full from:2007 till:end text:Wellington Phoenix (2007/08–present)
bar:10 color:Former from:2009 till:2012 text:Gold Coast United (2009/10–2011/12)
bar:11 color:Former from:2009 till:2011 text:North Queensland Fury (2009/10–2010/11)
bar:12 color:Full from:2010 till:end text:Melbourne Heart (2010/11–2013/14), then Melbourne City (2014/15–present)
bar:13 color:Full from:2012 till:end text:Western Sydney Wanderers (2012/13–present)
bar:14 color:Former from:2019 till:2025 text:Western United (2019/20–2024/25)
bar:15 color:Full from:2020 till:end text:Macarthur FC (2020/21–present) bar:16 color:Full from:2024 till:end text:Auckland FC (2024/25-present) bar:17 color:Future from:2026 till:end text:Canberra (planned from 2026/27)
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Expansion
The FFA alongside soccer media outlets demonstrated considerable enthusiasm for growing the league beyond its original eight founding clubs, which were protected by five-year exclusivity agreements per city but did not prevent new franchises emerging in other locations.
Prior to the A-League's inauguration, FFA chairman Frank Lowy highlighted several prospective expansion cities including Canberra, Hobart, Wollongong, Geelong, Cairns, Launceston, Christchurch, Auckland, Sunshine Coast, Darwin, and Singapore.
In February 2018, league authorities confirmed plans to increase the number of teams to twelve for the 2019–20 season. By December that year, bids were approved for Western United FC to enter in 2019–20 and Macarthur FC to join in the 2020–21 campaign.
Further ambitions targeted a total of fourteen clubs by the 2022–23 season and potentially sixteen by 2023–24; nevertheless, these expansion goals were not realized.
In March 2023, the Australian Professional Leagues revealed intentions to introduce teams based in Canberra and Auckland starting with the 2024–25 season. Subsequently in October 2023, businessman Bill Foley was announced as the preferred bidder for the Auckland licence, which was formally granted in November 2023. Auckland FC is scheduled to commence competition in the 2024–25 season.
However, on both 13 June 2024 and again in February 2025, the APL confirmed that Canberra’s entry would be deferred beyond the initially planned debut in the 2024–25 season.
Rivalries
Prominent rivalries and local derbies within the A-League encompass:
"Melbourne Derby" – Melbourne City versus Melbourne Victory
The first encounter took place on 8 October 2010 at AAMI Park, where Melbourne City (formerly Melbourne Heart) secured a 2–1 victory. Although Melbourne Victory was founded five years prior, it has achieved greater success both on the pitch and commercially. This rivalry consistently produces intense atmospheres and ranks among the league’s highest in attendance figures.
"The Original Rivalry" – Adelaide United versus Melbourne Victory
Originating from the broader sports rivalry between South Australia and Victoria, tensions escalated notably during the 2006–07 season with several high-profile incidents. The two clubs clashed in the A-League Grand Finals of 2007 and 2009, with Melbourne Victory claiming the 2009 title by a narrow 1–0 margin. In the 2008–09 campaign, both teams finished level on points and goal difference.
"Sydney Derby" – Sydney FC versus Western Sydney Wanderers
This derby began in the 2012–13 season following Western Sydney Wanderers’ introduction to the league, with Sydney FC winning the first match-up. The rivalry is distinguished by record-setting crowds, including a remarkable attendance of 61,880 at ANZ Stadium in 2016. Geographic and historical divisions within Sydney contribute to the fixture’s intensity.
"The Big Blue" – Melbourne Victory against Sydney FC
Named due to both teams’ blue uniforms and symbolizing their contest, this rivalry echoes the longstanding competition between Sydney and Melbourne. They have faced off in three grand finals: Sydney emerged victorious in 2010 and 2017 via penalty shootouts, while Melbourne Victory claimed the title in 2015. Traditionally, this fixture is held on Australia Day.
"The F3 Derby" – Central Coast Mariners versus Newcastle Jets
Taking its name from the former Pacific Motorway linking Newcastle and Gosford, this derby features two clubs situated outside capital cities, with their stadiums approximately an hour’s drive apart. The rivalry peaked during their competition for the premiership in 2007–08 and their meeting in the 2008 Grand Final, where Newcastle Jets triumphed. Since 2022, they contest a trophy crafted from a core sample of the motorway.
"The Distance Derby" – Perth Glory against Wellington Phoenix
Played since Wellington’s debut in the 2007–08 season, this fixture involves one of the longest domestic away journeys globally—spanning 5,225 km between cities located in different countries. From the 2015–16 season onward, both sides compete for the "Long Distance Derby Cup," awarded based on regular season outcomes.
"New Zealand Derby" / "Mai te Raki ki te Tonga" – Auckland FC versus Wellington Phoenix
With Auckland FC joining for the 2024–25 season, this marks New Zealand’s inaugural domestic A-League derby. The opening match is scheduled for 2 November 2024 at Wellington Regional Stadium, followed by two additional fixtures that season. Early controversy arose over Auckland’s loan acquisition of former Wellington goalkeeper Alex Paulsen amid scrutiny regarding league regulations compliance. Although initially branded as "Kiwi Clasico" before kickoff, that name was discontinued officially thereafter. On match day, local iwi presented a taonga trophy titled "Mai te Raki ki te Tonga," translating to 'From the North to the South' in Māori.
Logo and branding
In September 2021, a refreshed A-League logo was introduced as part of a wider rebranding initiative that unified the A-League and W-League under the collective title "A-Leagues," overseen by Australian Professional Leagues. Crafted by Sydney's R/GA agency, the new emblem prompted debate and narrowly sidestepped legal challenges from an Adelaide-based construction firm due to design resemblances. In October 2021, Isuzu UTE secured naming rights sponsorship for A-League Men, with branding reflecting this alliance, which has been extended through to 2026.
Earlier, in January 2017, Football Federation Australia launched a redesigned A-League logo amid a comprehensive rebranding of the league and its affiliated competitions such as the W-League and Youth League. This design highlighted fundamental soccer elements—community spirit, inclusiveness, and unity—and incorporated color schemes customized for each of the twelve member clubs. This update replaced the original logo created by Coast Design Sydney, which featured ochre hues symbolizing sun, earth, and desert landscapes, along with eight stylized 'A' figures representing the league’s founding teams.
Trophy and Plate
The A-League awards two principal trophies: the Premier's Plate for the team finishing first in the regular season (Premiers), and the A-League Trophy awarded to the champions of the Grand Final. Both trophies were conceptualized by Sydney-based D3 Design. The Premier's Plate adheres to a conventional trophy aesthetic, whereas the A-League Trophy is uniquely shaped and colloquially known as the "Toilet Seat" due to its distinctive form.
In 2005, FFA CEO John O'Neill highlighted the need for trophy designs that embody the league's elevated national status. Clive Solari from D3 Design explained that their concept draws from ancient sporting motifs, notably the Olympic laurel wreath, reinterpreted into a contemporary emblem of victory that champions can proudly raise.
Squad formation and salary cap
A-League match-day squads comprise eleven starting players plus five substitutes, including one designated goalkeeper. Prior to the 2013–14 season, teams were permitted only four substitutes. Each squad must include between 20 and 26 players, with a maximum of five foreign visa players from outside Australia (and New Zealand for Kiwi clubs). Additionally, three squad members must be under 20 years old; clubs may also sign up to three youth players on reduced salary contracts.
Originally, there was a proposal to reduce visa player spots from five to four for the 2015–16 season, potentially adopting a "3+1" format consistent with AFC Champions League regulations; however, this plan was deferred following opposition.
Despite enforcing a salary cap, clubs are allowed to sign two marquee players whose salaries do not count against the cap, alongside other targeted allowances. Guest players are exempt from the cap for up to fourteen matches. Since 2008–09, teams have been able to include a junior marquee player (under 23) under the 'Homegrown Player allowance,' permitting collective spending up to $150,000 on three Australian youth academy players.
From the 2010–11 season onward, an Australian marquee player category was introduced. Renowned marquee and guest signings have included Alessandro Del Piero, William Gallas, Dwight Yorke, Keisuke Honda, Damien Duff, Emile Heskey, Robbie Fowler, Shinji Ono, David Villa, and former FIFA World Player of the Year Romário. Prominent Australian marquees feature Harry Kewell, John Aloisi, Brett Emerton, Joshua Kennedy, and Tim Cahill. Beginning in 2021–22, a designated player slot was created with salaries exempt from the cap but capped between $300,000 and $600,000 per season; this was expanded with a second slot added in 2022–23.
Starting with the 2015–16 campaign, a "loyalty player allowance" permits clubs to exempt up to $200,000 in salaries for players who have served between five and ten years at one club. Teams may also recruit mature-age rookies outside of salary cap restrictions. The 2016–17 season saw introduction of a third 'Full Season Guest Marquee' spot designed for short-term high-profile acquisitions.
For the 2020–21 season, the salary cap was set at $2.1 million; new entrants were granted an additional $333,000 allowance totaling $2.433 million. Clubs must adhere to a minimum salary expenditure floor of $1.7 million. The cap applies to 18–23 registered players; however, salaries of up to two Designated Players (highest earners) are excluded.
Players who have completed over four consecutive professional years at one club qualify as 'Loyalty Players,' allowing incremental portions of their salaries—up to half—to be exempted from cap calculations. Clubs can invest unlimited funds in four U-23 Australian 'Homegrown Players' developed within their youth systems. Additionally, up to nine U-20 'Scholarship Players' may be signed on minimum wages without counting towards squad limits unless they are among three U21 players; any pay exceeding minimum wages counts against salary cap restrictions.
| Season | Marquee player | Australian marquee | Junior marquee | Designated player | Mature-aged rookie | Salary cap | Minimum salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005–06 | 1 | No | No | No | No | $1,500,000 | |
| 2006–07 | 1 | No | No | No | No | $1,600,000 | |
| 2007–08 | 1 | No | No | No | No | $1,800,000 | |
| 2008–09 | 1 | No | 1 | No | No | $1,900,000 | |
| 2009–10 | 1 | No | 1 | No | No | $2,250,000 | |
| 2010–11 | 1 | 1 | 1 | No | No | $2,350,000 | |
| 2011–12 | 1 | 1 | 1 | No | No | $2,400,000 | |
| 2012–13 | 1 | 1 | 1 | No | No | $2,468,000 | $48,000 |
| 2013–14 | 1 | 1 | 1 | No | No | $2,500,000 | $50,000 |
| 2014–15 | 1 | 1 | 1 | No | No | $2,550,000 | $51,000 |
| 2015–16 | 2 | 1 | No | 1 | $2,600,000 | $55,000 | |
| 2016–17 | 3 | 1 | No | 1 | $2,650,000 | $55,715 | |
| 2017–18 | 2 | 1 | No | 1 | $2,928,000 | $61,287 | |
| 2018–19 | 2 | 1 | No | 1 | $3 ,063 ,000 |
$64 ,113 | |
| 2019 –20 | 2 | 1 | No | No | $3 ,200 ,000 |
$47 ,792 –$64 ,113 | |
| 2020 –21 | 2 | 1 | No | No | $2 ,100 ,000 |
$45 ,000 –$62 ,500 | |
| 2021 –22 | 2 | 1 | 1 | No | |||
| 2022 –23 | 2 | 1 | 2 | No |
Stadiums
Since the league's establishment in 2005, matches have taken place in a total of 33 different stadium venues.
Sponsorship
The A-League has consistently featured a naming rights partner since its launch. Hyundai Motor Company was the first to sponsor the league, with the competition known as the "Hyundai A-League" from 2005 until 2020, supported by multiple contract renewals. In October 2021, Isuzu UTE entered into a three-year agreement for naming rights, leading to the rebranding of the league as the Isuzu UTE A-League.
| Period | Sponsor | League Name |
|---|---|---|
| 2005/06–2019/20 | Hyundai | Hyundai A-League |
| 2020/21 | No title sponsor | A-League |
| 2021/22–Present | Isuzu UTE | Isuzu UTE A-League |
League championships
Up to and including the 2024–25 season, 16 clubs have participated in the league. Of these, eight teams have claimed the championship title, while nine have earned at least one premiership. The Premiership-Championship double has been achieved by six clubs on eleven occasions.
The team finishing first in the regular season is designated as 'Premier,' whereas the winner of the grand final is referred to as 'Champion.' This differs from other Australian football codes where 'premier' commonly identifies the grand final victor.
Records
Brisbane Roar FC holds the record for the longest unbeaten streak in league history with an undefeated run spanning 36 matches.
Jamie Maclaren stands as the all-time leading goal scorer in the competition with a tally of 151 goals scored while playing for Perth Glory FC, Brisbane Roar, and Melbourne City FC. The highest number of goals scored by a player in a single match is five—a feat shared by Archie Thompson, who netted five during the 2007 Grand Final against Adelaide United FC, and Maclaren himself when he scored five against Melbourne Victory FC in a match in 2021.
Maclaren also holds the record for most hat-tricks in A-League history with eight.
Only Shane Smeltz and Bobô have managed to score hat-tricks in two consecutive fixtures.
Henrique Andrade Silva remains unique as the sole player to achieve a hat-trick after coming on as a substitute; he accomplished this while playing for Brisbane Roar against Newcastle Jets FC.
In addition, Austrian forward Marc Janko set a league record in 2015 by scoring in seven straight games representing Sydney FC.
In Australia
Between the 2005–06 and 2012–13 seasons, A-League broadcasts in Australia were exclusively available through the subscription service Fox Sports, reaching only about 7% of the population.
On 19 November 2012, the free-to-air broadcaster Special Broadcasting Service (SBS) obtained shared broadcasting rights alongside Fox Sports for the A-League starting from the 2013–14 season, following a four-year agreement valued at A$160 million.
SBS's tenure as a broadcaster concluded after the 2016–17 season, with Network Ten stepping in to secure free-to-air rights. Network Ten simulcast Fox Sports’ Saturday night matches on its digital channel One.
Starting with the 2019–20 season, ABC TV aired one live A-League match each weekend on its primary channel and held delayed broadcast rights for select finals and the Grand Final. Fox Sports’ contract, which was renegotiated amid the COVID-19 pandemic, ended in July 2021.
Since August 2021, a five-year deal with ViacomCBS has enabled Network 10 to broadcast the A-Leagues while streaming is provided via Paramount+. Initially, one A-League Men fixture per weekend was shown on Network Ten’s main channel, with all matches accessible through Paramount+. These rights are secured through to 2028.
Other countries
In New Zealand, the league has been televised on Sky Sport since its inception. During the 2019–20 season, coverage also extended to Qatari beIN Sports, following a four-year collaboration with Sky to expand soccer broadcasting, prominently including the A-League.
By the 2013/14 season, A-League broadcasts were available in 65 countries globally. Full match coverage was offered in territories such as the United States, China, Italy, the United Kingdom, Canada, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Myanmar. Highlights were shown across 53 nations in Asia and the Middle East, including Japan and South Korea. Furthermore, a three-season contract signed in 2014 with Sony TEN brought live broadcasts to Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
All A-League fixtures are streamed live worldwide via a subscription platform operated in partnership with the FFA. Until 2021, every game was broadcast live in the United States on ESPN+. In the United Kingdom, most broadcast rights belong to BT Sport, which utilizes Paramount+ feeds for live match transmissions. During the 2014–15 season, the A-League was televised across 173 countries.
Promotion
Since its inception, the A-League has employed several promotional campaigns and slogans. The league’s first season featured a marketing effort valued at A$3 million that included television and cinematic advertisements produced by Ridley Scott’s Scott Free Productions under the theme "Football, but not as you know it". For the 2007–08 season, a fresh commercial premiered on Foxtel's Total Football program, filmed at Melbourne’s Bob Jane Stadium. Between 2007 and 2009, the campaign "90 minutes, 90 emotions" ran concurrently with "My People" by Australian band The Presets.
Current broadcasters
| Team | Championships Won | Championship Years | Premierships Won | Premiership Years | Total Titles | Doubles Achieved | Seasons Played |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sydney FC | 5 | 2006, 2010, 2017, 2019, 2020 | 4 | 2009–10, 2016–17, 2017–18, 2019–20 | 9 | 3 (2010, 2017, 2020) | 20 |
| Melbourne Victory | 4 | 2007, 2009, 2015, 2018 | 3 | 2006–07, 2008–09, 2014–15 | 7 | 3 (2007, 2009, 2015) | 20 |
| Central Coast Mariners | 3 | 2013, 2023, 2024 | 3 | 2007–08, 2011–12, 2023–24 | 6 | 1 (2024) | 20 |
| Brisbane Roar | 3 | 2011, 2012, 2014 | 2 | 2010–11, 2013–14 | 5 | 2 (2011, 2014) | 20 |
| Melbourne City | 2 | 2021, 2025 | 3 | 2020–21, 2021–22, 2022–23 | 5 | 1 (2021) | 15 |
| Adelaide United | 1 | 2016 | 2 | 2005–06, 2015–16 | 3 | 1 (2016) | 20 |
| Newcastle Jets | 1 | 2008 | 0 |
| Seasons | Pay | FTA |
|---|---|---|
| 2005–13 | Fox Sports | None |
| 2013–17 | SBS | |
| 2017–19 | Network 10 | |
| 2019–21 | ABC | |
| 2021–26 | Paramount+ | Network 10 |
As of the 2024–25 season, broadcasting partners include:
| Territory | Network |
|---|---|
| Template:AUS | Network 10 |
| Paramount+ | |
| Template:NZL | Sky Open |
| Sky Sport | |
| Pacific Islands | Australia TV |
| Pasifika TV | |
| International | Sport24 (in-flight and ship only) |
| YouTube (unsold markets only) |
Global broadcast partners cover numerous regions including Tring Sport (Albania, Kosovo), Sportdigital (Austria, Germany, Switzerland), Arena Sport (Balkans), Go3 Sport (Baltic states), Diema Sport (Bulgaria), Flow Sports (Caribbean), Setanta Sports (Central Asia), True Sport (Cambodia, Laos), China Sports Media, Fiji TV, Orange Sport (France, Monaco, Belgium), Adjarasport (Georgia), Novasports (Greece, Cyprus), BEIN Sports (Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Palau), MYTV Super (Hong Kong), FanCode (Indian subcontinent), Mola (Indonesia, Timor-Leste), Sport 5 (Israel), Sport Italia (Italy and Vatican City), U-Next (Japan), Blue Sport (Liechtenstein), Macau Cable, Astro (Malaysia, Brunei), TUDN (Mexico and Central America), Abu Dhabi Sports (Middle East and North Africa), Sky Net (Myanmar), Ziggo Sport (Netherlands), Viaplay (Nordic countries), EMTV (Papua New Guinea), TAP DMV (Philippines), Eurosport (Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Czech Republic), Sport TV (Portugal), TVR Sport (Romania, Moldova), Match TV (Russia, Belarus), StarHub TV (Singapore), LaLiga+ (Spain, Andorra), SPOTV (South Korea, Thailand, Mongolia), Star+ (South America), Sporty TV (Sub-Sahara Africa), ELTA Sports (Taiwan), S Sport (Turkey, Azerbaijan), Suspilne Sport (Ukraine), TNT Sports UK and Ireland, ESPN USA and Canada, and VieON Vietnam.
See also
- Australian soccer league system
- A-League Women
- A-League Youth
- E-League
- List of A-League head coaches
- Soccer rivalries in Australia
External links
- Articles with short description
- Pages with broken file links
- A-League Men
- 2004 establishments in Australia
- Football Australia
- Multi-national professional sports leagues
- Professional sports leagues in Australia
- Silver Lake (investment firm) companies
- Men's soccer leagues in Australia
- Sports leagues established in 2004
- Summer association football leagues
- Top-level football leagues in Asia