The A-League has risked the ire of fans from other states by controversially locking in Sydney as the host city for the next three men’s and women’s grand finals as part of a landmark deal with the NSW government.
Football in Australia has long stood apart from the other codes by allowing the highest-placing teams to earn the right to host the A-League Men’s decider, which has been taken to all five major capital cities in the competition’s almost two-decade history.
Western United celebrate their A-League grand final triumph at AAMI Park last season – but Victorian sides will have to travel to Sydney next time.Credit:Getty Australia
But the Australian Premier Leagues have traded away this national reach for a fixed-term contract worth a reported eight-figure fee with Destination NSW, the state government’s lead tourism arm, which will run through to the end of 2025.
It means at least until then, the A-Leagues will fall in line with the AFL, who play their grand final at the MCG every year, the NRL, who have traditionally done the same at Accor Stadium but are threatening to take it elsewhere after a dispute with the NSW government over stadium funding, and Super Netball, who recently signed a similar with Visit Victoria.
APL chief executive Danny Townsend insists supporters will get the “best of both worlds” in being able to watch Socceroos stars week-in, week-out while also looking forward to a grand final at a fixed location – but there is little doubt the decision will anger those outside of NSW, especially given the current cost of interstate air travel, as well as those inside the state who have favoured the A-League’s egalitarian approach and national spread.
“This is a unique opportunity to build a tradition for football fans,” Townsend said.
A-Leagues chief executive Danny Townsend says the deal gives fans the “best of both worlds”.Credit:James Alcock
“When you think about a cup final in England, you think about the trip to Wembley, and we want fans in Australia to look forward to the A-Leagues finals in the same way.”
The A-League Women’s grand final is to be held on April 30, with the men on June 3, although a stadium has not been confirmed for either. With the annual Dolan Warren awards to be held two nights’ before the men’s grand final, Townsend said APL would work with the NSW government to turn these into week-long experiences for fans.
“We are working with transport and accommodation providers to develop special packages for travelling fans, including our official hotel partner IHG who have committed to offer a special discounted rate to travelling fans,” he said.
“Because we have certainty about which city will be hosting the final from a long way out, we are able to build a ‘Festival of Football’ around these major events.”
The APL has previously worked with Destination NSW for the successful A-League All Stars clash with Barcelona earlier this year.
“With the FIFA Women’s World Cup coming and on the back of the Socceroos’ historic World Cup in Qatar, football in Australia has never been stronger,” said NSW sports minister Alister Henskens.
“NSW is home to the most clubs in the A-Leagues competition, with the greatest supporter base, most passionate fans, the highest level of football participation and the best football venues, including Australia’s largest rectangular football stadium.
“This new week-long football event will provide football and sports fans with an experience unique to all other codes and cement the A-League grand finals amongst the very best sporting events on our national sporting calendar.”
