At a glance:

  • St Kilda's AFLW side is slated to return next year after the AFL Commission gave Season 2021 the green light.
  • The AFL Commission ratified a recommendation for no change to the current AFLW CBA.
  • Season 2021 is likely to commence in February, and will be subject to the climate surrounding COVID-19 at the time.

St Kilda’s AFLW side is slated to return next year after the AFL Commission gave Season 2021 the green light.

The Commission ratified a recommendation by the Football Operations Department for no change to the current AFLW CBA.

Season 2021 is likely to commence in February – subject to the climate surrounding COVID-19 – and will feature a nine-week home and away season plus a three-week finals series.

Player payments and the current AFLW Football Department soft cap will be maintained as agreed previously and should not be subject to any reductions next season.

“It is the Commission’s view that it is critical at this juncture to provide clarity to the AFLW Clubs and players by demonstrating our ongoing commitment to women’s football and the NAB AFLW Competition,’ AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan said.

“All 18 clubs were also given a detailed outline today on the AFL’s revenue forecasts for the coming two years, and our outline on the continued work that is required to be done to ensure that the AFL and our clubs collectively are able to manage the significant debt incurred this year as a result of the impact of the pandemic.

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“The impact on revenue will continue to affect the AFL and the clubs over the next two years and it was agreed that there needed to be a prudent approach in ensuring the code was able to continue to invest in growth and diversity and inclusion while also ensuring it returned to a sustainable financial position.  

“We will need to continue to work together to ensure football gets us through the other side.”