Update: Canberra expansion bid

A-Leagues Commissioner Nick Garcia has provided the following statement regarding the status of a preferred bid for a new A-Leagues license in Canberra:

“We are still in discussion with a preferred consortium for an A-League licence in Canberra, but they aren’t able to stand up a team in time for season 2024/25,” Garcia said.

“The ACT has a fantastic football fanbase, and we remain committed to Canberra and a fourteenth A-League team. We want to give new owners the proper runway to set up a team to ensure long-term success.

“The preferred consortium has the right capability – a mix of European top-flight experience, and local Canberra knowledge and relationships – and we continue to work with them.”

The APL will provide a further update in the coming months on the new licence process.

Regarding Canberra United and the season ahead, Garcia continued:

“Capital Football will continue to oversee and operate Canberra United in season 2024/25. We look forward to working with Capital Football, the ACT Government and other local stakeholders in the coming months ahead of season 2024-25.”