{{Short description|Governing body of Australian professional soccer leagues}} {{Use dmy dates|date=December 2024}} {{Use Australian English|date=December 2024}} {{Infobox organization | name = Australian Professional Leagues | logo = AustralianProfessionalLeagues.jpg | logo_size = 200px | logo_alt = | logo_caption = | image = | image_size = | image_alt = | caption = | abbreviation = APL | established = {{start date and years ago|2020|12|31|df=y}} | status = Active | owner = Football Australia | leader_title = Chairman | leader_name = Stephen Conroy (2023–) | website = [https://aplfootball.com.au/ aplfootball.com.au] }}
The '''Australian Professional Leagues''', officially abbreviated to the '''APL''' and sometimes referred to as the '''A-Leagues''', are the governing body for the A-League Men, A-League Women, A-League Youth and E-League. Since their formation, they have been mostly independent of Football Australia, but remain under their umbrella.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://aplfootball.com.au/about-apl/|title=About APL|website=Australian Professional Leagues}}</ref>
Following their unbundling from Football Australia, the APL rebranded various aspects of the professional men's, women's, and youth leagues, including the names, logos, and marketing. In 2021, American private equity firm Silver Lake purchased a 33% minority stake in the league for $140 million, valuing the league at $425 million.
In December 2022, the APL announced that the next three A-League Men Grand Finals, in 2023, 2024, and 2025, would be held in Sydney as part of a $15 million deal with Destination NSW. The announcement was met with backlash from fans, former players, and support groups. The decision led to fans staging walkouts and boycotts, and an incident at the Melbourne Derby on 17 December 2022 where up to 200 people invaded the pitch injuring goalkeeper Tom Glover and referee Alex King. The decision was walked-back in October 2023 and the deal was replaced with Unite Round. Throughout 2024, the APL encountered financial difficulties, leading to 80–130 staff being laid-off, and the fiscal allocation to clubs being reduced from over $2 million to $530,000. In August 2025, the APL recorded an operating profit of $1.7 million, after losses of $57 million and $37 million in the previous two years.
==History== ===Unbundling and rebranding=== On 31 December 2020, Football Australia announced that the Australian Professional Leagues (APL) would be separated from the governing body. APL will assume responsibility for operational, commercial, and marketing activities, while Football Australia will continue to manage disciplinary and integrity matters, as well as the registration of clubs, players and officials, transfers, and match scheduling.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.footballaustralia.com.au/news/australian-professional-leagues-be-unbundled-football-australia|title=Australian Professional Leagues to be unbundled from Football Australia|date=31 December 2020|website=Football Australia|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201231051146/https://www.footballaustralia.com.au/news/australian-professional-leagues-be-unbundled-football-australia|archive-date=31 December 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> Ahead of the 2021–22 season, the APL rebranded various aspects of the competitions under its control:<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.soccerscene.com.au/apl-launches-unified-rebranding-of-australian-football/|title=APL launches unified rebranding of Australian Football|date=29 September 2021|access-date=12 December 2022|first=Philip|last=Panas|website=Soccerscene|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210929000215/https://www.soccerscene.com.au/apl-launches-unified-rebranding-of-australian-football/|archive-date=29 September 2021|url-status=live}}</ref>
* '''A-League''' became '''A-League Men''' * '''W-League''' became '''A-League Women''' * '''Y-League''' became '''A-League Youth'''
In addition to the name changes, the logos of the three leagues were also changed to reflect the new identity of the organisation. The change drew some criticism from social media, with fans saying that the new logo was "lazy",<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sportingnews.com/au/football/news/new-a-league-logo-criticised-by-fans-but-what-matters-is-the-leagues-progression/glmfe3pfmpes1wmcx4dkwlvof|title=New A-League logo criticised by fans but what matters is football's progression in Australia|date=29 September 2021|access-date=12 December 2022|first=Kieran|last=Francis|website=The Sporting News|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210929055731/https://www.sportingnews.com/au/football/news/new-a-league-logo-criticised-by-fans-but-what-matters-is-the-leagues-progression/glmfe3pfmpes1wmcx4dkwlvof|archive-date=29 September 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> whilst some pointed out the resemblance to the logo of South Australian company ''Adelaide Building Consultants''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/football/aleagues-new-logo-australian-premier-leagues-adelaide-building-consulting-could-sue-over-potential-copyright-breach/news-story/4ecb9511c8102c07d32327153a93ec9e|title=Building firm could sue A-Leagues over 'bizarre' logo clash|date=30 September 2021|website=Fox Sports|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210930053435/https://www.foxsports.com.au/football/aleagues-new-logo-australian-premier-leagues-adelaide-building-consulting-could-sue-over-potential-copyright-breach/news-story/4ecb9511c8102c07d32327153a93ec9e|archive-date=30 September 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> Others praised the rebranding as it brought the men's and women's competitions under the same brand identity.
===2021 Silver Lake investment=== On 14 December 2021, it was announced that American private equity firm, Silver Lake had purchased a 33.33% minority stake in the Australian Professional Leagues, the sale worth $140 million, the largest injection of capital into Australian soccer in its history. The firm stated that they valued the APL at $425 million.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.silverlake.com/australian-professional-leagues-announces-minority-investment-from-silver-lake-to-drive-technology-enhancements-innovation-and-growth/|title=Australian Professional Leagues announces minority investment from Silver Lake to drive technology enhancements, innovation and growth|website=Silver Lake|date=14 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220521225925/https://www.silverlake.com/australian-professional-leagues-announces-minority-investment-from-silver-lake-to-drive-technology-enhancements-innovation-and-growth/|archive-date=21 May 2022|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-12-14/a-leagues-sign-deal-us-private-equity-firm-silver-lake/100697752|title=A-Leagues sign minority stake deal with US private equity firm Silver Lake|website=ABC News|date=14 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211213224317/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-12-14/a-leagues-sign-deal-us-private-equity-firm-silver-lake/100697752|archive-date=13 December 2021|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/we-have-a-huge-opportunity-a-leagues-finalises-140m-equity-sale-20211213-p59h6k.html|title='We have a huge opportunity': A-Leagues finalises $140m equity sale|website=Sydney Morning Herald|date=14 December 2021|first=Dominic|last=Bossi|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211213191927/https://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/we-have-a-huge-opportunity-a-leagues-finalises-140m-equity-sale-20211213-p59h6k.html|archive-date=13 December 2021|url-status=live}}</ref>
===2022 Grand Final controversy=== {{multiple image | footer = City Terrace and Original Style Melbourne, the active supporter groups of Melbourne City and Melbourne Victory respectively, protesting the decision by Australian Professional Leagues to give A-Leagues Grand Final hosting rights to Sydney for the next three seasons in the 20th minute of the Melbourne Derby on 17 December 2022. | image1 = Melbourne_Derby_17_Dec_2022_City_Protest.jpg | alt1 = City Terrace protest | width1 = 200 | image2 = Melbourne_Derby_17_Dec_2022_Victory_Protest.jpg | alt2 = Original Style Melbourne protest | width2 = 200 }}
On 12 December 2022, the APL announced that the 2023, 2024 and 2025 Grand Finals would be hosted in Sydney as part of a $15 million deal with Destination NSW.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://keepup.com.au/news/why-sydney-is-the-new-home-of-the-a-leagues-grand-finals|title=Why Sydney is the new home of the A-Leagues Grand Finals|date=12 December 2022|website=KeepUp|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221212021945/https://keepup.com.au/news/why-sydney-is-the-new-home-of-the-a-leagues-grand-finals|archive-date=12 December 2022|url-status=usurped}}</ref> The announcement was met with universal backlash from fans of all teams, former players and active support groups.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2022/dec/12/terrible-decision-a-leagues-move-to-sell-off-grand-final-rights-to-sydney-sparks-fan-anger|title='Terrible decision': A-Leagues' move to sell off grand final rights to Sydney sparks fan anger|website=The Guardian|date=12 December 2022|first=Mike|last=Hytner|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221212021514/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2022/dec/12/terrible-decision-a-leagues-move-to-sell-off-grand-final-rights-to-sydney-sparks-fan-anger|archive-date=12 December 2022|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/build-a-tradition-a-league-risks-fan-anger-by-selling-grand-finals-to-sydney-20221212-p5c5h2.html|title='Absolute disgrace': A-League grand final move slammed by fans, owners and a Socceroo|date=12 December 2022|first=Vince|last=Rugari|website=The Sydney Morning Herald|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221211215023/https://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/build-a-tradition-a-league-risks-fan-anger-by-selling-grand-finals-to-sydney-20221212-p5c5h2.html|archive-date=11 December 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> Melbourne Victory and Wellington Phoenix both released a statement shortly after the announcement, saying that "they will always prefer to play any Grand Final that they earn the right to host, at their home ground".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://melbournevictory.com.au/news/melbourne-victory-statement-a-leagues-grand-finals|title=Melbourne Victory statement: A-Leagues Grand Finals|date=12 December 2022|website=Melbourne Victory|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221212021947/https://melbournevictory.com.au/news/melbourne-victory-statement-a-leagues-grand-finals|archive-date=12 December 2022|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://wellingtonphoenix.com/news/a-statement-to-our-fans|title=A Statement to our fans|date=13 December 2022|website=Wellington Phoenix|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221213051212/https://wellingtonphoenix.com/news/a-statement-to-our-fans|archive-date=13 December 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> Western United said that they "do not support the Grand Finals being held in Sydney".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://wufc.com.au/news/club-statement-13-12-22|title=Club Statement|date=13 December 2022|website=Western United|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221213122218/https://wufc.com.au/news/club-statement-13-12-22|archive-date=13 December 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> Perth Glory chairman Tony Sage condemned the decision, also stating that "a majority of (club) owners supported the decision".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://perthglory.com.au/news/a-statement-from-glory-owner-and-chairman-tony-sage|title=A statement from Glory owner and Chairman, Tony Sage|website=Perth Glory|date=14 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221214210440/https://perthglory.com.au/news/a-statement-from-glory-owner-and-chairman-tony-sage|archive-date=14 December 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> Adelaide United's chairman Piet van der Pol commented that the club does not have a place on the APL's seven-person board, and thus was not a part of the decision making.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://adelaideunited.com.au/news/adelaide-united-chairman-provides-update-on-apl-grand-finals-decision|title=Adelaide United chairman provides update on APL Grand Final decision|website=Adelaide United|date=14 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221214210421/https://adelaideunited.com.au/news/adelaide-united-chairman-provides-update-on-apl-grand-finals-decision|archive-date=14 December 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> Melbourne City released a statement, sympathising with the frustrations of the fans, yet stating that the decision was necessary for the sustainability of the competition.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://melbournecityfc.com.au/news/club-statement-on-a-leagues-grand-finals|title=Club statement on A-Leagues Grand Finals|website=Melbourne City|date=14 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221215020406/https://melbournecityfc.com.au/news/club-statement-on-a-leagues-grand-finals|archive-date=15 December 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> Central Coast Mariners Chairman Richard Peil sent an email to the club's members, saying that the club was not consulted in any way, stating that only five of the clubs had an opportunity to vote on the decision.<ref>{{cite twitter|number=1602920785676763136|user=Boycey1105|title=Statement from CCM Chairman Richard Peil.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230921093655/https://twitter.com/Boycey1105/status/1602920785676763136?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1602920785676763136%7Ctwgr%5E6a749bffcf948785d32ff71e3bba8da62faaa79a%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.redditmedia.com%2Fmediaembed%2Fzlkd78%3Fresponsive%3Dtrueis_nightmode%3Dtrue|archive-date=21 September 2023|url-status=live}}</ref> Sydney FC and Western Sydney Wanderers both released statements acknowledging the disappointment of the decision, saying that the decision was necessary to grow the financial side of the game.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://sydneyfc.com/news/statement-regarding-apl-decision-to-bring-grand-finals-to-sydney|title=Statement regarding APL decision to bring Grand Finals to Sydney|website=Sydney FC|date=14 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221223045244/https://sydneyfc.com/news/statement-regarding-apl-decision-to-bring-grand-finals-to-sydney|archive-date=23 December 2022|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://wswanderersfc.com.au/news/wanderers-statement-2|title=Wanderers statement|website=Western Sydney Wanderers|date=14 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221221234524/https://wswanderersfc.com.au/news/wanderers-statement-2|archive-date=21 December 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> Adelaide United winger Craig Goodwin appeared in a video promoting the Grand Finals, however he stated that he does not support the decision to host the Grand Final in Sydney.<ref>{{cite twitter|number=1602145423677829120|title=I wanted to clear things up publicly. I may be in the video for the @aleaguemen choice to host Grand Finals in Sydney, but I do not support it.|user=craig_goodwin11|date=12 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221212054057/https://twitter.com/craig_goodwin11/status/1602145423677829120|archive-date=12 December 2022|url-status=live}}</ref>
The following week, fans from various clubs staged walkouts. The first match of the weekend, on 16 December, Newcastle Jets fans walked out at the 20th minute in the game against Brisbane Roar.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/football/a-league/football-news-aleague-2022-protests-against-decision-to-sell-grand-final-to-nsw-begin-newcastle-jets-lose-to-brisbane-roar/news-story/5bfb14eb8afd171549c936ce170ff415|title=Jets fans stage walkout after 20 minutes in A-League protest … and there's more to come|website=Fox Sports|date=16 December 2022|first=Marco|last=Monteverde|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221218100648/https://www.foxsports.com.au/football/a-league/football-news-aleague-2022-protests-against-decision-to-sell-grand-final-to-nsw-begin-newcastle-jets-lose-to-brisbane-roar/news-story/5bfb14eb8afd171549c936ce170ff415|archive-date=18 December 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> The most notable walkout of the round was during the Melbourne Derby. Throughout the match, supporters of both teams threw flares onto the pitch, which caused the game to be paused. Melbourne City goalkeeper Tom Glover threw a flare towards the crowd of Melbourne Victory supporters, sparking a pitch invasion, where between 100–200 people attacked Glover and referee Alex King, both sustaining minor injuries. The match was abandoned as a result.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/melbourne-derby-stopped-as-fan-protest-turns-violent-20221215-p5c6mu.html|title=Player injured, Melbourne derby abandoned after violent pitch invasion|website=Sydney Morning Herald|first=Roy|last=Ward|date=17 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221217121223/https://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/melbourne-derby-stopped-as-fan-protest-turns-violent-20221215-p5c6mu.html|archive-date=17 December 2022|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.news.com.au/sport/football/aleague-melbourne-derby-descends-into-chaos-with-violent-pitch-invasion/news-story/eab656b4548172fb1d3ae37e49bda448|title=A-League Melbourne derby descends into chaos with violent pitch invasion|website=News.com.au|first=Ronny|last=Lerner|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221217133330/https://www.news.com.au/sport/football/aleague-melbourne-derby-descends-into-chaos-with-violent-pitch-invasion/news-story/eab656b4548172fb1d3ae37e49bda448|archive-date=17 December 2022|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/64010869|title=A-League: Melbourne City-Melbourne Victory game abandoned after fan injures player|website=BBC Sport|date=17 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221217110115/https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/64010869|archive-date=17 December 2022|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://wwos.nine.com.au/football/news-2022-melbourne-city-goalkeeper-tom-glover-injured-as-aleague-protests-turn-violent/8e228881-df18-4276-a572-48e98de09f2d|title=Melbourne City goalkeeper Tom Glover suffers 'severe lacerations' as fans storm A-League game|website=Nine's Wide World of Sports|first=Emily|last=Patterson|date=18 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221217114141/https://wwos.nine.com.au/football/news-2022-melbourne-city-goalkeeper-tom-glover-injured-as-aleague-protests-turn-violent/8e228881-df18-4276-a572-48e98de09f2d|archive-date=17 December 2022|url-status=live}}</ref>
On 21 April 2023, fans from Sydney FC's supporter group The Cove stated that they will boycott the entire finals series over the Grand Final decision, as well as the APL backtracking on promises to work with supporter groups from various clubs to reach an agreement.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/football/a-league/sydney-fc-disappointed-with-supporters-decision-to-boycott-doordie-derby/news-story/030930463ebed5500142ba9bbeba59e8|title=Sydney FC 'disappointed' with supporters' decision to boycott do-or-die derby|website=Fox Sports|first=Marco|last=Monteverde|date=4 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230511185041/https://www.foxsports.com.au/football/a-league/sydney-fc-disappointed-with-supporters-decision-to-boycott-doordie-derby/news-story/030930463ebed5500142ba9bbeba59e8|archive-date=11 May 2023|url-status=live}}</ref> A month later on 10 May, ''The Cove'' called off the boycott ahead of their semi-final match against Melbourne City, following the APL's announcement that all 13 clubs had committed to establishing a fan representative group.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com.au/football/story/_/id/37638702/sydney-fc-fans-call-league-finals-boycott|title=Sydney FC fans call off A-League finals boycott|website=ESPN|date=10 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230921101303/https://www.espn.com.au/football/story/_/id/37638702/sydney-fc-fans-call-league-finals-boycott|archive-date=21 September 2023|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://keepup.com.au/news/a-leagues-confirms-13-clubs-have-committed-to-fan-representative-group/|title=A-Leagues confirms 13 clubs have committed to Fan Representative Group|website=KeepUp|date=9 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230509212156/https://keepup.com.au/news/a-leagues-confirms-13-clubs-have-committed-to-fan-representative-group/|archive-date=9 May 2023|url-status=usurped}}</ref>
On 18 October 2023, the Australian Professional Leagues officially walked-back the Grand Final decision a year into the contract's three-year run, renegotiating the deal into Unite Round, a round where all league games would be played in Sydney. This was a similar concept to the NRL's Magic Round and the AFL's Gather Round.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://aleagues.com.au/news/a-leagues-unite-round-men-women-festival-sydney/|title=A-Leagues announce first ever Unite Round to take place this season|website=A-Leagues|date=18 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231018000828/https://aleagues.com.au/news/a-leagues-unite-round-men-women-festival-sydney/|archive-date=18 October 2023|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-10-18/a-leagues-scrap-controversial-grand-final-decision-introduce-mag/102989960|title=A-Leagues scrap controversial Grand Final decision in favour of Unite Round|website=ABC News|date=18 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231017220424/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-10-18/a-leagues-scrap-controversial-grand-final-decision-introduce-mag/102989960|archive-date=17 October 2023|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com.au/football/story/_/id/38682628/aleagues-scrap-grand-final-deal-favour-unite-round|title=A-Leagues scrap Grand Final deal in favour of 'Unite Round |website=ESPN|date=18 October 2023|first=Joey|last=Lynch|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231018033033/https://www.espn.com.au/football/story/_/id/38682628/aleagues-scrap-grand-final-deal-favour-unite-round|archive-date=18 October 2023|url-status=live}}</ref> Two days later, APL CEO Danny Townsend left his role to take up a new job in the Middle East after two years in charge. Stephen Conroy replaced him as chairman.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://aleagues.com.au/news/a-leagues-ceo-danny-townsend-exit-apl-leadership/|title=Australian Professional Leagues confirm departure of CEO and appointment of new executive leadership.|website=A-Leagues|date=20 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231020015756/https://aleagues.com.au/news/a-leagues-ceo-danny-townsend-exit-apl-leadership/|archive-date=20 October 2023|url-status=live}}</ref>
===2024 layoffs and financial problems=== On 16 January 2024, it was announced that a large amount of the Australian Professional Leagues' workforce had been made redundant, and were laid-off. The exact number of employees laid off is unknown, with the figure ranging from 20–75%, of their 80–130 staff. The layoffs were made to stabilise the APL in the short term, allowing for a restructuring of the company.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/half-of-apl-s-workforce-to-be-made-redundant-amid-a-league-financial-concerns-20240116-p5exm5.html|title=Half of APL's workforce to be made redundant amid A-League financial concerns|website=Sydney Morning Herald|date=16 January 2024|first=Vince|last=Rugari|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240116040105/https://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/half-of-apl-s-workforce-to-be-made-redundant-amid-a-league-financial-concerns-20240116-p5exm5.html|archive-date=16 January 2024|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.afr.com/companies/sport/up-to-40-jobs-axed-at-cash-strapped-a-leagues-20240116-p5exmd|title=Up to 40 jobs axed at cash-strapped A-Leagues|website=Australian Financial Review|date=16 January 2024|first=Zoe|last=Samlos|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240116040109/https://www.afr.com/companies/sport/up-to-40-jobs-axed-at-cash-strapped-a-leagues-20240116-p5exmd|archive-date=16 January 2024|url-status=live}}</ref>
On 3 July 2024, the money distributed to clubs for the 2024–25 A-League Men season was reduced from over $2 million to $530,000,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://aleagues.com.au/news/a-league-news-apl-chair-stephen-conroy-statement-to-fans/|title=APL chair's statement to A-Leagues fans|first=Stephen|last=Conroy|author-link=Stephen Conroy|website=A-Leagues|date=3 July 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240703101352/https://aleagues.com.au/news/a-league-news-apl-chair-stephen-conroy-statement-to-fans/|archive-date=3 July 2024|url-status=live}}</ref> due to the administration's overambitious spending.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/spent-too-much-money-a-league-club-distributions-slashed-to-500-000-20240703-p5jqu1.html|title='Spent too much money': A-League club distributions slashed to $500,000|website=Sydney Morning Herald|first=Vince|last=Rugari|date=3 July 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240703145303/https://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/spent-too-much-money-a-league-club-distributions-slashed-to-500-000-20240703-p5jqu1.html|archive-date=3 July 2024|url-status=live}}</ref> The cuts were said to be necessary for the APL to stay afloat, as it would allow them to break even over the next financial year.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/article/2024/jul/03/a-league-club-funding-drop-24-25-season-apl|title=A-League clubs face $1.5m hit to annual funding ahead of 'tough' year|website=Guardian Australia|first=Jack|last=Snape|date=3 July 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240703110102/https://www.theguardian.com/football/article/2024/jul/03/a-league-club-funding-drop-24-25-season-apl|archive-date=3 July 2024|url-status=live}}</ref>
On 15 August 2025, the Australian Professional Leagues reported a $1.7 million preliminary operating profit for the recently completed financial year, after previously recording losses of $55 million and $37 million in 2023 and 2024 respectively; a 34% reduction in operating expenses from the previous year was cited as a contributing factor behind the APL's improved financial position.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Monteverde |first1=Marco |title=Western United’s plight could benefit rival clubs as APL records a profit |url=https://www.news.com.au/sport/football/western-uniteds-plight-could-benefit-rival-clubs-as-apl-records-a-profit/news-story/1799e86614b88088dbf910762996e0dc |website=News.com.au |publisher=News Corp |access-date=15 August 2025}}</ref>
==KeepUp== {{infobox website |name = KeepUp |screenshot = KeepUp_Homepage_2024-02-26.png |caption = The KeepUp homepage on 26 February 2024, four days before the website was closed. |url = [https://keepup.com.au/ keepup.com.au] |owner = Australian Professional Leagues |launch_date = 11 November 2021 |current_status = Defunct since 1 March 2024, redirects to [https://aleagues.com.au/alumni/ aleagues.com.au/alumni] }} On 11 November 2021, the Australian Professional Leagues launched the '''KeepUp''' (stylised as KEEPUP.) app. The app contained news primarily from the A-League Men, A-League Women and Australia Cup competitions, Asian continental competitions, the AFC Champions League and AFC Cup, and popular European competitions.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://keepup.com.au/|title=KeepUp}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theinnersanctum.com.au/apl-hits-another-milestone-with-launch-of-keepup-app/|title=APL hits another milestone with launch of KEEPUP app|website=The Inner Sanctum|first=Nick|last=Scialpi|date=11 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211111053924/https://www.theinnersanctum.com.au/apl-hits-another-milestone-with-launch-of-keepup-app/|archive-date=11 November 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> It also featured an official A-Leagues fantasy and tipping competition, which was launched on 21 September 2022, ahead of the 2022–23 season.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://keepup.com.au/news/apl-unveils-official-a-leagues-fantasy-and-tipping-for-2022-23/|title=Introducing: Official A-Leagues Fantasy and Tipping for 2022–23!|website=KeepUp|date=21 September 2022|first=Matt|last=Comito|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220920225634/https://keepup.com.au/news/apl-unveils-official-a-leagues-fantasy-and-tipping-for-2022-23|archive-date=20 September 2022|url-status=usurped}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sportingnews.com/au/football/news/aleague-fantasy-how-to-play-rules-prize-money/xprafsi9utyagdrlg4ruaukv|title=A-League Fantasy: How to play, rules, points system and prize money|website=The Sporting News|first=Joshua|last=Thomas|date=14 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230921084134/https://www.sportingnews.com/au/football/news/aleague-fantasy-how-to-play-rules-prize-money/xprafsi9utyagdrlg4ruaukv|archive-date=21 September 2023|url-status=live}}</ref> The app was reported to cost $30 million to launch, which drew some criticism.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.smh.com.au/business/companies/a-league-aims-to-keepup-with-rival-codes-in-30-million-digital-push-20211112-p598q6.html|title=A-League aims to KEEPUP with rival codes in $30 million digital push|website=The Sydney Morning Herald|date=14 November 2021|first=Zoe|last=Samios|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211114075137/https://www.smh.com.au/business/companies/a-league-aims-to-keepup-with-rival-codes-in-30-million-digital-push-20211112-p598q6.html|archive-date=14 November 2021|url-status=live}}</ref>
As part of the APL's January 2024 layoffs, it was announced that KeepUp would be closed on 1 March 2024, under three years since its launch. One of the reasons for the closure was cited as high expenditure, with the cost of running the service being estimated of up to $50 million.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://aleagues.com.au/news/a-league-news-open-letter-chairman-stephen-conroy-australian-football/|title=Open letter to A-Leagues fans|first=Stephen|last=Conroy|author-link=Stephen Conroy|website=A-Leagues|date=11 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240213151219/https://aleagues.com.au/news/a-league-news-open-letter-chairman-stephen-conroy-australian-football/|archive-date=13 February 2024|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/how-the-a-leagues-multimillion-dollar-digital-play-blew-up-20240118-p5ey98.html|title=How the A-Leagues' multimillion-dollar digital play blew up|website=Sydney Morning Herald|first=Vince|last=Rugari|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126003229/https://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/how-the-a-leagues-multimillion-dollar-digital-play-blew-up-20240118-p5ey98.html|archive-date=26 January 2024|url-status=live}}</ref>
{{clear}}
==References== {{reflist}}
{{Soccer in Australia}} {{A-League Men}} {{A-League Women}} {{A-League Youth}} {{E-League}}
Category:Australian Professional Leagues Category:Soccer governing bodies in Australia Category:Organisations based in Sydney Category:2020 establishments in Australia Category:Sports organizations established in 2020