Players will get a significant pay increase and improved employment conditions following a collective bargaining agreement between Football Federation Australia, Westfield W-League clubs and Professional Footballers Australia.
The W-League website reports that under the new two-year agreement, all players, other than those on scholarships, are guaranteed a minimum retainer of at least $10,000 for the coming season and $12,200 for the 2018/19 season, with no maximum cap on any one player’s wages.
The average income for Westfield W-League players is expected to rise from $6,909 to $15,500 for this season, with many players having previously been considered amateur and received only expenses.
The new agreement also features enhanced minimum medical standards, key principles for the first ever formal maternity policy and a formal partnership with the players through the Professional Women’s Football Committee.
The highest earners playing in the W-League, professional leagues overseas and for the national team, are expected to now earn at least $130,000 a year.
FFA Chief Executive Officer David Gallop said: “This is the start of a new era for professional female footballers in Australia. Westfield W-League players deserve this pay rise. They have been trail blazers for women’s sport in Australia and are about to enter their 10th season.”
Professional Footballers Australia Chief Executive John Didulica said: “Having worked with the W-League players through this process, it has reinforced our view that these players are central to the future and to the fabric of Australian football.
“This deal is foundational. Hand in hand with the club owners and the FFA, it will build a platform to grow the players’ collective hope of building a professional career as a footballer and give the players a clear voice in what that future looks like.”
Meanwhile, FFA has a new broadcast agreement with Fox Sports, which will see its coverage of W-League games rise from 17 to 27, with all clubs in the competition receiving good coverage across the season.
Photo – w-league.com.au
