The deal is with the international consortium that runs English Championship side Queen’s Park Rangers.
But the future of the Mariners’ A-League Women’s team remains in doubt, with the Australian Professional Leagues (APL) looking to secure a separate owner to keep the team alive.
In a bittersweet announcement for the Central Coast’s passionate football community, the APL on Tuesday announced Total Soccer Growth Holdings (TSG) as the new owner of the Central Coast Mariners FC but added that the new owners would not be taking on the Women’s team.
While the news that the Mariners’ Men’s team is secure was greeted with excitement, there are genuine fears held for the future of the Mariners’ Women’s team in the Ninja A-League premiership.
APL CEO Steve Rosich said the A-Leagues would take on the responsibility for securing a new investor for the Central Coast Mariners’ A-League Women’s team, and he moved quickly to ease community concerns that the team may fold.
“The APL is seeking a partnership for the Mariners’ A-League women’s team with engaged parties, with particular interest and expertise in women’s football,” Mr Rosich said.
“Through the extensive due diligence process it became clear that the operation of the women's team was not able to be included within the new operation with TSG.
“Separately, we've begun working with parties to seek specific investment in the women’s team – and we're working to ideally arrive at an outcome on this on or before 31 July to enable the team to operate in the 2026/27 season.
“We’re confident there is significant interest in women’s specific investment in the A-Leagues.”
The acquisition of the Central Coast Mariners by Total Soccer Growth Holdings includes the operation of the men’s A-League side and the club Academy which includes young men’s and women’s teams. That is great news for the burgeoning junior ranks on the Central Coast and for local player development.
A privately-owned international business, Total Soccer Growth Holdings is the majority shareholder of English Championship side Queens Park Rangers UK and owns a stake in Los Angeles FC USA, among other football clubs around the globe.
The club’s plan is to create pathways between the teams they operate, which could mean the Mariners squad will be significantly bolstered by international players, while opportunities will exist at Queen’s Park Rangers, Los Angeles FC and other overseas clubs for young Central Coast footballers.
Total Soccer Growth Holdings’ Ruben Gnanalingam said: “We are delighted to make an entry into the A-Leagues with an investment into Central Coast Mariners FC.
“We see Australian football as a major growth area in the sport internationally, and are excited to return Central Coast Mariners to the era of valuing and nurturing young Coasties.
“We appreciate how turbulent and uncertain the last season has been for the Club and we intend to do our utmost to restore energy and enthusiasm for this special football club, both on and off the pitch.
“We were drawn to the Mariners because of its strong community spirit, a characteristic that mirrors other sporting organisations that we have the great privilege of being a part of around the world.”
APL CEO Steve Rosich said: “This partnership for the Central Coast Mariners further validates the growing international-standing of the A-League and our players, and creates another significant connection to the global football economy.
