The Central Coast Sun has learned that there is a heads of agreement in place between the APL and an international consortium, with the ownership deal to be announced before the A-Leagues Grand Finals in May, or shortly thereafter.
Sources close to negotiations say the new deal will secure the future of both the Mariners’ men’s and women’s teams – along with the Mariners’ Junior Academy.
The news will come as a huge relief to the thousands of Central Coast fans who love and support the Mariners, especially families with young children coming through the Academy ranks.
If a new owner had not been found before the end of the season, there were very real concerns held for the future of the Academy, and indeed the Mariners club itself.
The Central Coast Sun has been a vocal supporter of the Mariners club as a community asset and has joined political leaders and local business groups in calling for any potential new owner to make the Central Coast Junior Academy a priority and better engage with local businesses and, most importantly, the fans.
The APL is confident the new owners fully understand that the Mariners are a community-based club with a passionate fan base and that they will make forming solid local connections a priority.
CEO Steve Rosich said the APL Board has always been mindful of the need for any new ownership model to be in lockstep with local fans and the Central Coast community.
The future of the Mariners was thrown into disarray earlier this year after it was announced that owner Mike Charlesworth had handed back his licence to run the club, which was in considerable debt at the time.
The Mariners’ men’s team also lost their coach before the season kicked off, with Warren Moon stepping in at late notice.
Despite this, the Mariners men have performed admirably and remain on the fringe of the Isuzu Ute A-League Men’s Top-6.
The Mariners women, who were magnificent in winning the Ninja A-League women’s title in 2024/25, failed to make the Finals this season after losing their most dangerous player Annalise Rasmussen in February. Annalise signed a rich deal with Italian giants Juventus and left with the blessing of the Mariners club.
Experienced goalkeeper Sarah Langman – the 2024/25 Goalkeeper of the Year – suffered a season-ending knee injury in December, which also impacted on the team.
The Mariners are part of the fabric of our community, bringing locals together in shared passion and pride in our region.
Member for Wyong David Harris, Member for The Entrance David Mehan and Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch said in a statement to the Central Coast Sun that they support the APL negotiating an outcome to secure a new owner as soon as possible to give certainty to players, staff, fans and the broader Central Coast community.
The Central Coast Mariners Academy has produced a long line of outstanding footballers including Maty Ryan, Trent Sainsbury, Max Balard and Annalise Rasmussen.
In one of the highlights of the season, another Academy star, 18-year-old Jesse Mantell, blasted a spectacular debut goal for the Mariners against the Brisbane Roar at polytec Stadium before throwing himself into the clutches of an adoring Yellow Army at the northern end of the ground.
Coach Moon was so moved by the scenes, he said he would never forget Mantell’s first goal for the club.
With a new ownership deal imminent, it’s onwards and upwards for the Central Coast Mariners.
