Professional Footballers Australia (PFA) has released its annual A-League Men report, which identifies emerging trends within the competition.
The 2022-2023 edition outlines record levels of contract stability for players, driven by the long-term collective bargaining agreement between the PFA and Australian Professional Leagues (APL), as well as a record investment in player payments and a record influx of transfer revenue for clubs.
Click here to read the full report
Isuzu UTE A-League clubs received an estimated $10million in transfer revenue last term, breaking the previous mark of $5.4million set in 2018, with 14 outbound deals involving a transfer fee.
The report also reveals that 56% of players who made an appearance last season were aged 25 or under at the start of the 2022-23 campaign, while over half the players surveyed believe the A-Leagues’ planned expansion of two teams for the 2024-25 season is “about right”.
There was also 46% increase in average Isuzu UTE A-League attendances year-on-year.
“Much has been said and written about the state of the professional game in Australia and this report provides an important evidence-based assessment of its current status,” PFA co-chair Beau Busch said.
“Whilst the Leagues’ recovery continues, the Collective Bargaining Agreement is providing clubs and players much needed certainty and clarity, and the A-League Men is exhibiting several positive trends.
“These include record levels of investment in players, returns on that investment in the transfer market, enhanced contractual stability, and more opportunities for young players.
“At a time when the competition is expanding, this Report provides crucial insights into how clubs are successfully building models to fulfill their potential on and off the pitch, which in turn is improving the quality and longevity or careers and opportunities for players.”
