Overview

• Adelaide United host Sydney FC in the season opener on Friday, October 17, with a full Round 1 schedule set across the weekend.
• Western United’s withdrawal leaves the league at 12 teams, reflecting an off-season of cost cutting and reduced club distributions.
• Most matches stream live on Paramount+, with select games available free on 10 Play and some airing on Network 10.
• Key storylines include Juan Mata’s arrival at Melbourne Victory, Craig Goodwin’s return to Adelaide, and Melbourne City beginning their title defense at Western Sydney.
• Central Coast appointed Warren Moon as interim coach after Mark Jackson’s exit, as a newly launched second division runs concurrently for the first three months.