Auckland FC Women’s Team Launch in Doubt for 2025-26 A-League Season

AUCKLAND – When Auckland FC was unveiled to the public in November 2023, it came with bold ambitions—including the commitment to field both a men’s and a women’s team in Australia’s top-flight A-League. Yet, just months away from what was supposed to be a historic moment for women’s football in Aotearoa, that vision is beginning to wobble.

Multiple sources have confirmed that despite initial declarations, the club has yet to lock in a definitive timeline for the women’s team debut. The 2025-26 season—the original target—is now looking increasingly unlikely.

⚙️ Behind the Delay

While the club’s CEO, Nick Becker, has publicly reiterated their intent, there’s growing concern behind the scenes. Player agents report a lack of meaningful communication from the club, while recruitment for key staff—including the head coach—has stalled. Becker denies any breakdown in dialogue.

“Auckland FC remains committed to launching a Ninja A-League women’s team in time for the 2025/26 season,” Becker told the Herald in a statement. “We’re ready to go as soon as we get approval from the A-Leagues governing body.”

That approval may be more complicated than anticipated.

🕰️ A Slipping Timeline

In January, Director of Football Terry McFlynn told the Herald that they had narrowed down their coaching search to three candidates, aiming to make an announcement in February—mirroring the timeline used for the men’s squad. For reference, men’s head coach Steve Corica was unveiled in March 2024, with initial player signings arriving two months later.

But now, months later, there has been no coaching announcement. No signings. No formal rollout.

💰 Money Talks, and the League Isn’t Listening

The delay may also reflect broader instability within the A-League itself. League funding was slashed by a staggering 75% ahead of the current season, with club contributions falling from $2 million to just $530,000. The league’s expiring broadcast deal with Network Ten and Paramount+ looms large over the financial future.

Meanwhile, New Zealand broadcaster Sky TV has extended its agreement for another three years, but the domestic revenue alone likely isn’t enough to offset league-wide cuts.

The A-League refused to comment on the status of Auckland’s women’s team.

🏟️ North Harbour Dream Still Alive

Despite the roadblocks, Auckland FC maintains that their long-term strategy remains intact. Plans are still in place for the women’s squad to train and play at North Harbour Stadium, alongside the men’s team. Discussions with staff and potential players have begun—but there’s little urgency from the top, at least publicly.

⌛ The Human Cost of Delay

Perhaps most affected by this shifting timeline are the players—particularly those who returned to New Zealand specifically to chase the opportunity to represent Auckland FC.

The delay not only puts careers on hold, but it also risks tarnishing the club’s image as an inclusive, future-forward franchise. If not managed carefully, this could mark a missed opportunity for both the team and the sport in Aotearoa.

In contrast, Macarthur FC’s women’s team has remained on ice for six years—an ominous precedent Auckland FC will hope to avoid.

🔮 What’s Next?

Whether Auckland FC can steer the ship back on course remains to be seen. Much will depend on funding decisions, broadcast deals, and the club’s willingness to prioritize women’s football in the same way it embraced its men’s project.

For now, the women’s side remains an exciting prospect caught in limbo—still a dream, but one that fans and players hope doesn’t remain a promise unfulfilled.

Stay tuned with #pitchside.hq for updates as this story develops.