The future of Canberra United has been secured, with a new owner found for the two-time A-League Women champions.
After two years of uncertainty, the Australian Professional Leagues (APL) announced on Friday that Australian Sports Group (ASG) has taken charge of Canberra’s licence.
ASG has an exclusive option to introduce an A-League Men side in the Australian capital for the 2028-29 season.
“Canberra is home to a thriving football community,” Theo Fotopoulos, ASG Group CEO said.
“A huge participant and passionate supporter base who have made Canberra United one of the most strongly supported A-League Women teams for the last 18 years.
“We’re thrilled to be leading the next generation of professional football in Canberra, taking on the ownership of the Canberra United women’s team with a renewed focus on growth and investment, and progressing towards an integrated professional club with the introduction of an A-League men’s team in season 2028-29.
“The A-Leagues is a leading Asia-Pacific competition with a strong history in developing top international talent. We’re excited to be part of growing the A-Leagues and building a strong Club focused on community engagement, football excellence, commercial growth, new infrastructure and strengthening the football development pathways for boys and girls in the Territory and the Capital Region.
“The collaboration and cooperation between the APL, FA, ACT Government, Capital Football, McKellar Park (Belconnen Soccer Club) and local stakeholders has been a cornerstone of our successful bid, and we look forward to working with them all to help accelerate the growth of the game in Canberra and the Region.”
The only standalone women’s team across the A-Leagues, Canberra’s existence has been under threat for the best part of two years after the club’s previous backers, Capital Football, opted against continuing to fund the team.
Canberra have been propped up by the ACT government over the past two years, and the APL’s lengthy wait to find new ownership has previously prompted fierce criticism from Canberra United captain Michelle Heyman.
“This is an exciting next step for professional football in the ACT and highlights the growth opportunity for the A-Leagues and football in Canberra,” said APL chair Stephen Conroy.
“We’d like to acknowledge the Canberra football community and the ACT government for their strong and ongoing support of Canberra United.”
Who is Australian Sports Group?
Australian Sports Group was established in 2026 and will make its first major move into Australian football through Canberra United’s A-League Women team.
The group is led by chief executive Theo Fotopoulos and chairman Morris McAlister, who bring experience across sports administration, marketing and corporate advisory.
ASG’s team has also worked with clubs and organisations across the A-Leagues – including Newcastle Jets, NRL, AFL, cricket, rugby, basketball and major international competitions.
CEO Fotopoulos brings a background in sports, marketing and business strategy. He is also the CEO of FOS Group Australia, a consultancy specialising in B2B marketing, digital strategy and sports advisory, and has worked with organisations on business growth and commercial development across Australia and internationally, according to his LinkedIn profile.