TDA exclusive: Every team in the Women’s A-League (ALW) has reported an increase in membership sign-ups since the Matildas’ history-making World Cup performance.
Five ALW clubs have reported their highest-ever number of member sign-ups ahead of the 2023/24 season, while the other six are on track to beat last season’s membership figures.
A-League memberships record
The two ALW clubs with players from the Matildas World Cup squad have had the highest surge in membership since the previous season ended in April.
Brisbane Roar, the new home of veteran Tameka Yallop, has 15.7 times the members it had at the end of last season. Reigning champions Sydney FC, led by Matildas penalty shootout hero Cortnee Vine, has seen a 1223% jump in members.
The Newcastle Jets have almost doubled their membership base, while Melbourne Victory has seen a 75% increase. Canberra United has enjoyed a 24% rise.
The increases are expressed as a percentage of last season’s figures, as actual membership data is yet to be finalised.
A-Leagues response
A-League Commissioner Nick Garcia praised the “fantastic” increase in members, saying the league was “excited to see this momentum continue” in the upcoming season.
Garcia also flagged a “rising interest among the next generation of fans” with over 17,000 children registering for a free season pass since the World Cup.
The 2023/24 season
This year, the same number of teams will compete in the women’s and men’s competitions, with the introduction of the Central Coast Mariners to the women’s league.
The ALW season begins on 14 October and the men’s season will begin the following weekend.
