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Women's team snubbed as new owner confirmed for Central Coast Mariners

From ABC Australia · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources New plan
  • A new owner has been confirmed for the Central Coast Mariners men's A-League team, but the women's team future is uncertain.
  • The new owner, Total Soccer Growth Holdings, only acquired the men's team and academy, not the women's side.
  • The women's coach has been informed his services won't be required, and a search for investment in the women's team is ongoing.

Struggling A-League club Central Coast Mariners has a new owner for its men's team, but the future of the women's side remains in doubt. Total Soccer Growth Holdings (TSG), a majority shareholder of English club Queens Park Rangers, has been confirmed as the new owner. However, the deal exclusively covers the men's A-League team and the club's academy, leaving the women's team's fate uncertain. Mariners' women's coach Kory Babington met with Australian Professional Leagues (APL) officials and was informed his contract would not be renewed for the next season. Babington stated he was unaware of the new ownership deal and noted that the A-League women's competition often takes a backseat to the men's. Despite the uncertainty, he expressed no bitterness about the decision, saying he enjoyed his year with the team and is looking forward. TSG majority shareholder Ruben Gnanalingam expressed delight at entering the A-League, viewing Australian football as a significant international growth area. He aims to restore energy and enthusiasm to the club, citing its strong community spirit as a key attraction.

The A-League women come second to the men, so it's no surprise.

— Kory BabingtonThe women's coach commented on the perceived priority of the men's team over the women's in the league.

APL chief executive Steve Rosich acknowledged that the women's team operation could not be included in the new TSG deal. He confirmed that the APL has begun discussions with parties interested in investing specifically in the women's team, hoping for a resolution by July 31 to ensure the team can operate for the 2026/27 season. This announcement brings some stability to the Mariners, who faced uncertainty six months prior when former owner Mike Charlesworth returned the club's license after a proposed sale fell through. The Mariners men's team finished ninth and the women's team seventh in the recent season, a stark contrast to their previous successes. The men's team won back-to-back titles in 2023 and 2024, while the women's team were the defending champions after winning the 2025 grand final. Central Coast mayor Lawrie McKinna welcomed the news of the TSG deal, emphasizing the need for security and rebuilding for the club, and acknowledging the fans' recent worries.

I enjoyed the year with them. We move forward.

— Kory BabingtonBabington expressed his feelings about his contract not being renewed.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Australia. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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