The Australian Professional Leagues (APL) has today announced Total Soccer Growth Holdings (TSG) as the new owner of the Central Coast Mariners FC.
A privately-owned international business, Total Soccer Growth Holdings is the majority shareholder of English Championship side Queens Park Rangers and owns a stake in MLS side Los Angeles FC.
Led by majority shareholder, Ruben Gnanalingam, the Total Soccer Growth Holdings has a diverse range of cross-continent business and football experience, and an ambitious multi-club vision to create global opportunities for youth development, grounded in local community engagement.
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“We are delighted to make an entry into the A-Leagues with an investment into Central Coast Mariners FC,” said Gnanalingam.
“We see Australian football as a major growth area in the sport internationally, and are excited to return Central Coast Mariners to the era of valuing and nurturing young Coasties.”
“We appreciate how turbulent and uncertain the last season has been for the Club and we intend to do our utmost to restore energy and enthusiasm for this special football club, both on and off the pitch.
“We were drawn to the Mariners because of its strong community spirit, a characteristic that mirrors other sporting organisations that we have the great privilege of being a part of around the world.”
The acquisition of the Central Coast Mariners’ by Total Soccer Growth Holdings includes the operation of the men’s A-League side and the club Academy which includes men’s and women’s teams.
The APL is taking responsibility for securing a new investor for the Central Coast Mariners’ A-League Women’s team.
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APL CEO, Steve Rosich said: “This partnership for the Central Coast Mariners further validates the growing international-standing of the A-League and our players, and creates another significant connection to the global football economy.”
“Total Soccer Growth Holdings has an ambitious growth and multi-club vision, focused on talent development and community engagement.
“We look forward to working closely with TSG as they embed themselves within the club and community, and prepare for season 2026/27 to deliver success for the Mariners.”
“We’d also like to take this opportunity to thank the club’s dedicated fans, partners, staff and players, who have once again shown their loyalty and dedication to the Mariners.
“The Central Coast community is the heartbeat of this club, and we look forward to that continuing to grow alongside the club.”
APL is seeking a partnership for the Mariners’ A-League women’s team with engaged parties, with particular interest and expertise in women’s football.
“Through the extensive due diligence process it became clear that the operation of the women’s team was not able to be included within the new operation with TSG.
“Separately, we’ve begun working with parties to seek specific investment in the women’s team – and we’re working to ideally arrive at an outcome on this on or before 31 July to enable the team to operate in the 2026/27 season,” added APL CEO, Steve Rosich.
“We’re confident there is significant interest in women’s specific investment in the A-Leagues – with engaged parties for the Mariners, and an announcement within the month on a preferred partner for Canberra United to enable the continuation of the Canberra United women’s team for season 2026/27 and beyond,” concluded APL CEO, Steve Rosich.
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The transition of the licence will now progress to the usual regulatory checks including ‘Fit and Proper Persons’ by Football Australia.
The transition of management is also underway, with the APL providing support through to the end of the financial year, as TSG begins planning for next season including partner and community engagement to ensure connection and continuity, and exploring minority shareholders to participate in the investment to expand their local expertise and resources.
Total Soccer Growth Holdings brings a wealth of international football experience, and joins a growing list of international parties investing in the A-Leagues including the City Football Group (Melbourne City FC), Black Knight Football Club (Auckland FC), Tony Bloom (Melbourne Victory) and Silver Lake in the league.
The 2026/27 Isuzu UTE A-League and Ninja A-League seasons will kick off on 16 October, 2026, with the Isuzu UTE A-League fixture to be released within the month.
