A-League Australian Professional Leagues Discussion Thread (APL)

[Zidane98]

Transfer fees between A-League clubs need to come in and see how it works before we scarp the cap! The two should be able to complement itself. On extension transfer fees between A-league clubs and NPL clubs also need to come in. No point NPL clubs finding and developing talent when they end up getting peanuts for them to A-league clubs. In theory it should create a thiving ecosystem.

NPL clubs like to pay players under the table. Nothing stopping them from signing their talent up to professional contracts to protect their investment. A League clubs would have to pay a transfer fee to sign them.

 

[Andonis1997]

I for one welcome this, as THE NIX ARE AN OWNER OF THE A-LEAGUE!! No more licences, all round good times!! Hell yeah!

 

[bok_party]

I think the cap needs to be raised severely first before scrapped completely. A transfer system would definitely benefit the whole competition from top tier to bottom. That way NPL clubs can actually put that money to use in expanding their facilities, signing new players etc

 

[giggler99]

Looks like no change of seasons for the foreseeable future if the APL get their way.

Financial suicide’: A-League clubs push for season to stay in summer

The A-League will soon learn the extent of its independence from Football Australia when it lobbies the governing body to keep the competition played over summer, having received almost no interest from broadcasters to move the league into winter.

Senior A-League club sources are expecting next season’s competition to revert to an October kick-off - a prospect that will appease TV partners and sponsors but risks putting the newly independent competition at loggerheads with the Australian game’s governing body, which has strongly pushed for a transition to the winter months.

The newly-formed Australian Professional Leagues - which governs the A-League - has found there would be almost no commercial benefit to starting and finishing the season in the same calendar year, with one senior club source describing the potential move as “financial suicide”. Another said the issue over scheduling “is not even up for debate”.

Despite the FA’s desire to align the A-League season with grassroots football, which is played in winter, senior A-League sources are expecting next season’s competition to be held over the traditional period between October and May.

The A-League’s broadcast deal with Foxtel expires at the end of the current season in June. Sources with knowledge of discussions with potential suitors suggest there is almost no appetite for a winter A-League from broadcasters, with negotiations for the next TV deal having been almost exclusively centred around a summer competition.

As revealed by the Herald last month, Stan Sport has flagged its interest in securing the broadcast rights to the A-League but only if it was held in summer. It appears that view is consistent with other potential bidders for the A-League rights.

While the A-League club owners will make a compelling argument to keep the competition over summer, the decision isn’t necessarily theirs to make. As part of the A-League’s separation from FA, Australian football’s governing body has the final say on the scheduling of all competitions and signs off on the domestic match calendar, which includes both the A-League and the W-League.

The FA has been vocal in its preference for moving the A-League into winter, with chief executive James Johnson suggesting he wouldn’t be deterred by taking on AFL, Rugby League and Rugby Union. Senior FA sources suggest this stance still remains firm, following significant studies into the technical benefits of playing games in the cooler winter months which they believe enhance the quality of football. However, the the governing body may be forced to strike a compromise deal with the A-League around its scheduling.

‘Financial suicide’: A-League clubs push for season to stay in summer

The A-League appears likely to remain a summer competition, with the prospect of a winter competition having received next to no interest from broadcasters.

www.theage.com.au

 

[acm21]

Looks like no change of seasons for the foreseeable future if the APL get their way.

Financial suicide’: A-League clubs push for season to stay in summer

The A-League will soon learn the extent of its independence from Football Australia when it lobbies the governing body to keep the competition played over summer, having received almost no interest from broadcasters to move the league into winter.

Senior A-League club sources are expecting next season’s competition to revert to an October kick-off - a prospect that will appease TV partners and sponsors but risks putting the newly independent competition at loggerheads with the Australian game’s governing body, which has strongly pushed for a transition to the winter months.

The newly-formed Australian Professional Leagues - which governs the A-League - has found there would be almost no commercial benefit to starting and finishing the season in the same calendar year, with one senior club source describing the potential move as “financial suicide”. Another said the issue over scheduling “is not even up for debate”.

Despite the FA’s desire to align the A-League season with grassroots football, which is played in winter, senior A-League sources are expecting next season’s competition to be held over the traditional period between October and May.

The A-League’s broadcast deal with Foxtel expires at the end of the current season in June. Sources with knowledge of discussions with potential suitors suggest there is almost no appetite for a winter A-League from broadcasters, with negotiations for the next TV deal having been almost exclusively centred around a summer competition.

As revealed by the Herald last month, Stan Sport has flagged its interest in securing the broadcast rights to the A-League but only if it was held in summer. It appears that view is consistent with other potential bidders for the A-League rights.

While the A-League club owners will make a compelling argument to keep the competition over summer, the decision isn’t necessarily theirs to make. As part of the A-League’s separation from FA, Australian football’s governing body has the final say on the scheduling of all competitions and signs off on the domestic match calendar, which includes both the A-League and the W-League.

The FA has been vocal in its preference for moving the A-League into winter, with chief executive James Johnson suggesting he wouldn’t be deterred by taking on AFL, Rugby League and Rugby Union. Senior FA sources suggest this stance still remains firm, following significant studies into the technical benefits of playing games in the cooler winter months which they believe enhance the quality of football. However, the the governing body may be forced to strike a compromise deal with the A-League around its scheduling.

‘Financial suicide’: A-League clubs push for season to stay in summer

The A-League appears likely to remain a summer competition, with the prospect of a winter competition having received next to no interest from broadcasters.

www.theage.com.au

Ftbl has suggested the deal is all but done, atleast in terms of streaming service. But the caveat was that is stays in summer.

Summer or bust for new APL

Australian Professional Leagues are on a collision course with Football Australia over the next A-League and W-League seasons with a new TV deal expected to be unveiled in six weeks time.

www.ftbl.com.au

 

[Andonis1997]

Ftbl has suggested the deal is all but done, atleast in terms of streaming service. But the caveat was that is stays in summer.

Summer or bust for new APL

Australian Professional Leagues are on a collision course with Football Australia over the next A-League and W-League seasons with a new TV deal expected to be unveiled in six weeks time.

www.ftbl.com.au

A non-free to air choice scares me. How many others are going to subscribe to a new streaming platform for just the A-League?
If Sportsflick gets the Champions League and then the A-League it could work in the League's favour, or work against it with the Eurosnobs

 

[acm21]

A non-free to air choice scares me. How many others are going to subscribe to a new streaming platform for just the A-League?
If Sportsflick gets the Champions League and then the A-League it could work in the League's favour, or work against it with the Eurosnobs

I feel like it won't be sportsflicks, I think they would be more willing to move it to winter. I think there will likely be a fta partner (likely nine if it is going to be stan). Hopefully whoever it is will put there muscle behind it.

 

[Zidane98]

Summer competition fits into the international football calendar plus european comps. It doesn't make sense for the A League to be on when World Cups are on, Euros etc etc.


I believe there's very little chance of a switch to winter.

 

[giggler99]

Good to finally see the APL starting to get the ball rolling on decisions.

McDonalds and APL form a landmark partnership to grow Australian Football

McDonald’s Australia has inked a landmark agreement with the Australian Professional Leagues (APL) designed to strengthen the connection between grassroots participants and the professional game.

The new partnership will see McDonald’s become the Official Quick Service Restaurant Partner and McCafé the Coffee Partner to the A-League, Westfield W-League and the E-League. The relationship will also extend to nine APL clubs, including three new relationships with Brisbane Roar FC, Macarthur FC and Western United FC.
Through the partnership, McDonald’s is expanding its commitment to support grassroots football on scale with the ‘Macca’s Half-Time Heroes’ activation. A series of small- sided games played at half-time, the Macca’s Half-Time Heroes is designed to create opportunities for families to experience football firsthand, supported by ticket giveaways and competitions.
Ant Hearne, Chief Commercial Officer of APL, said the partnership with McDonald’s was an exciting development for football at all levels:
“Our shared passion for the game is at the heart of our partnership with McDonald’s, and they have recognised the unique moment in time for the growth of our game.
“We’ve got two million people playing football in Australia and we want to give them the best possible access to the highest level of football in this country through APL. This partnership with McDonald’s enables deeper connections between young players and their A-League and Westfield W-League heroes and we’re delighted to expand our relationship.”
Amanda Nakad, Marketing Manager, McDonald’s Australia said:
“We’re proud to play an active role in communities across Australia, and are thrilled to be a foundation partner of the Australian Professional Leagues.
“Working together, we hope to help further connect fans and players to the sport they love, ultimately getting more people playing, watching and supporting the great game of football.
“Football has a terrific atmosphere - everyone is made feel welcome at their local A- and W-League or junior club and feels immediately at home. We love that aspect of sociability and familiarity, that’s so aligned to what we strive to provide in our restaurants.”

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[EBERT THE KING]

Summer competition fits into the international football calendar plus european comps. It doesn't make sense for the A League to be on when World Cups are on, Euros etc etc.


I believe there's very little chance of a switch to winter.

So what happens in 2022 when the world cup is on in December?

 

[giggler99]

Richard is a great football person, he understands football in this country and should do a great job in the role.

Richard Bayliss to join APL as Director of Content

Richard Bayliss has joined the Australian Professional Leagues (APL), operators of the top tier of domestic men’s, women’s and youth football in Australia, as its first Director of Content.
Richard joins APL after five years with Optus Sport where he guided production and editorial direction as both Director of Sport and lead presenter. Under his leadership, Optus produced world-class studio, digital and social coverage of the English Premier League, FA Women’s Super League, the men’s and women’s FIFA World Cups, Euro 2020, along with the UEFA Champions League and Europa League - all while setting new standards for the depth of coverage available to Australian audiences. He has also overseen a growing bank of content focused on the domestic football scene, including the ground-breaking feature series and documentary Football Belongs.

Prior to Optus Sport, Richard spent six years at Fox Sports as Reporter and Presenter, including three seasons as Football Correspondent and sideline commentator for the A-League coverage.

He will lead APL’s brand new content arm, a key strategic growth focus for APL, with a brief to create the most compelling home of football coverage in Australia - championing the best of the A-League and W-League but also delivering multi-platform stories and news about football from all corners of the globe.

Danny Townsend, Managing Director of APL, said: “Delivering a world-class content offering is central to how APL are investing to grow the game - both in our own content and through our broadcast partnership with ViacomCBS. Richard will be vital in driving that strategy forward to bring football into every Australian home.”

Ant Hearne, Chief Commercial Officer of APL, said: “As someone who has been at the forefront of the development of football content in Australia in recent years, Richard brings an incredible depth of knowledge and passion for the game. Fans are at the centre of everything we do, and we want to bring them closer to the game than ever before.”

Richard Bayliss, incoming Director of Content for APL, said: “When I reflect on what the game has meant to me from a young age, it’s both an honour and a dream come true to be part of the team tasked with transforming football in Australia. APL has an ambitious vision to finally fulfill the game’s potential and creating innovative content to connect with and represent fans is a vital part of that.

“Australian football is crafted from the most captivating stories and personalities, and fans can trust us to deliver those stories like never before. We’re less than three months out from the start of the season and I can’t wait to get started.”

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www.a-league.com.au

 

[The Victorian]

Richard is a great football person, he understands football in this country and should do a great job in the role.

Richard Bayliss to join APL as Director of Content

Richard Bayliss has joined the Australian Professional Leagues (APL), operators of the top tier of domestic men’s, women’s and youth football in Australia, as its first Director of Content.
Richard joins APL after five years with Optus Sport where he guided production and editorial direction as both Director of Sport and lead presenter. Under his leadership, Optus produced world-class studio, digital and social coverage of the English Premier League, FA Women’s Super League, the men’s and women’s FIFA World Cups, Euro 2020, along with the UEFA Champions League and Europa League - all while setting new standards for the depth of coverage available to Australian audiences. He has also overseen a growing bank of content focused on the domestic football scene, including the ground-breaking feature series and documentary Football Belongs.

Prior to Optus Sport, Richard spent six years at Fox Sports as Reporter and Presenter, including three seasons as Football Correspondent and sideline commentator for the A-League coverage.

He will lead APL’s brand new content arm, a key strategic growth focus for APL, with a brief to create the most compelling home of football coverage in Australia - championing the best of the A-League and W-League but also delivering multi-platform stories and news about football from all corners of the globe.

Danny Townsend, Managing Director of APL, said: “Delivering a world-class content offering is central to how APL are investing to grow the game - both in our own content and through our broadcast partnership with ViacomCBS. Richard will be vital in driving that strategy forward to bring football into every Australian home.”

Ant Hearne, Chief Commercial Officer of APL, said: “As someone who has been at the forefront of the development of football content in Australia in recent years, Richard brings an incredible depth of knowledge and passion for the game. Fans are at the centre of everything we do, and we want to bring them closer to the game than ever before.”

Richard Bayliss, incoming Director of Content for APL, said: “When I reflect on what the game has meant to me from a young age, it’s both an honour and a dream come true to be part of the team tasked with transforming football in Australia. APL has an ambitious vision to finally fulfill the game’s potential and creating innovative content to connect with and represent fans is a vital part of that.

“Australian football is crafted from the most captivating stories and personalities, and fans can trust us to deliver those stories like never before. We’re less than three months out from the start of the season and I can’t wait to get started.”

A-Leagues - KEEPUP

Find everything you want to know about A-Leagues here on Keep Up. All the latest A-Leagues news, fixtures, results & league ladder.

www.a-league.com.au

Is this head of Channel 10 coverage of is that different?

 

[giggler99]

Is this head of Channel 10 coverage of is that different?

Separate, director of content for the APL media and promotions.

 

[acm21]

Separate, director of content for the APL media and promotions.

So actually marketing and social media of the league and there profiles?

 

[acm21]

Wellington Phoenix Welcomes W-League Expansion Plan

Wellington Phoenix welcome APL’s announcement this morning of an expansion to the W-League competition, with Wellington Phoenix one of three Clubs in consideration for entry ahead of the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023. READ: Catching Up With: Head Coach Ufuk Talay READ: Nix Season In Stats...

www.wellingtonphoenix.com

Wellington Phoenix welcome APL’s announcement this morning of an expansion to the W-League competition, with Wellington Phoenix one of three Clubs in consideration for entry ahead of the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023.

 

[acm21]

More info and the announcement of a club championship

 

[The Victorian]

More info and the announcement of a club championship

Thats a good idea to add interest in both comps!

 

[Andonis1997]

I swear if Western get in over the Mariners and the Nix I will scream.

 

[acm21]

I swear if Western get in over the Mariners and the Nix I will scream.

From how it reads it looks like all 3 will enter over the next 2 seasons.

 

[acm21]

 

[The Victorian]

That doesn't make sense especially if there the COVID bubble is closed between Australia and New Zealand

 

[Andonis1997]

That doesn't make sense especially if there the COVID bubble is closed between Australia and New Zealand

The women's team would have originally been based in NSW so I don't see the Nix being based anywhere other than Australia.

 

[The Victorian]

The women's team would have originally been based in NSW so I don't see the Nix being based anywhere other than Australia.

Yeah big for the NZ bases players?

 

[giggler99]

Danny Townsend takes up CEO role at Australian Professional Leagues

Australian Professional Leagues (APL) have announced that current Managing Director Danny Townsend will step up to the role of Chief Executive Officer full-time in the first half of 2022, transitioning from his dual role as Sydney FC CEO.

Townsend is a highly-regarded sports executive who has had a great influence in the unrivalled period of success that Sydney FC has seen both on and off the field. He has also made huge progression in a dual role leading the APL’s first year of commercial, marketing and operational management for the A-Leagues.

APL Chairman Paul Lederer:

“In a year of significant developments and progress for APL, the transition of Danny Townsend as full-time CEO is one of the most important. Danny’s commercial acumen, passion for football and boundless energy stand him apart as the most dynamic leader in Australian sport.

“Danny and APL’s Executive Leadership Team have achieved significant results since professional football unbundled from football’s governing body in December 2020, including delivery of a new brand, a major broadcast rights deal with ViacomCBS and most recently the announcement of capital investment from Silver Lake.

“With this realised, and Danny Townsend leading APL in a full-time capacity, we can really accelerate APL’s digital transformation and support its continued momentum and ambitious vision for long-term sustainable and inclusive growth.”

Townsend regarding the appointment announcement:

“I am proud to have led Sydney FC to an exceptionally strong position, with an exciting future and two world class facilities, Sky Park and the new Sydney Football Stadium, less than 12 months away. I have no doubt the club will continue to flourish both on and off the field.

“My role as APL CEO will enable me to put all of my efforts into ensuring Sydney FC and every A-League club reaches their full potential. I look forward to building on the achievements of the past year and leading and delivering on the strategy to grow the game.”

Townsend’s transition to the APL will be completed once a full handover to the incoming Sydney FC Chief Executive is finalised.

Danny Townsend takes up CEO role at Australian Professional Leagues

Australian Professional Leagues (APL) have announced that Danny Townsend will step up to the role of Chief Executive Officer.

www.soccerscene.com.au

 

[giggler99]

Global football figure Köksal appointed to board of APL​

A leading figure in European and global football circles has been appointed as a director of the Australian Professional Leagues as Football Australia’s nominated board appointment.

Ebru Köksal, CFA, has acted in senior executive and advisory roles for FIFA and UEFA, various football associations, the UK’s Professional Footballers’ Association and as CEO of Turkish giants Galatasaray, and will take up her role on the APL board immediately.

An advocate for women’s football and gender equality, and current chair of Women in Football UK, Köksal is a senior advisor at the investment management firm J. Stern & Co, where she advises on the football finance transactions and manages relations with wealth management clients.

While working with FIFA, she led their Women’s Football Administration Course in 2015 as well as the Female Leaders in Football Workshop in 2016 on behalf of Football Australia. She was the first woman to be elected to the Executive Board of the European Club Association in 2011.

Prior to working in the football industry, Köksal had a decade-long investment banking career with Morgan Stanley, Citibank and AIG Capital partners.

Commenting on the appointment, APL Chair, Paul Lederer said, “Ebru Köksal is a trailblazer in the football world and is one of the most experienced experts in the industry today. It is an honour to welcome her to the APL Board, and we are excited to leverage her global experience in finance and football to propel the professional game forward in Australia.”

Ebru Köksal said: “I am delighted to join APL at such an exciting time for the professional game in Australia. I very much look forward to contributing to the significant innovation and evolution that APL is overseeing.

“The timing could not be better with the Women’s World Cup (in Australia) just a year away. There is an extraordinary opportunity for the entire women’s football pyramid to deliver a legacy for the whole game, and women and girls in particular.”

Chris Nikou, Chair of Football Australia, described Köksal as “an outstanding, globally recognised and experienced football executive who brings a wealth of knowledge across many facets of the professional game.

“We are delighted to have secured Ebru to join the APL Board as the Football Australia-nominated non-executive director and we look forward to continuing the strong collaboration with the APL to continue to grow the professional game in Australia.”

The Board appointment is the latest in a series of milestones for the APL, responsible for the operation, commercialisation and marketing of professional football in Australia since unbundling from football’s governing body in December 2020.

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