{
  "id": 116378,
  "title": "Wests Tigers owners throw financial lifeline to women's A-League team",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/04/wests-tigers-owners-throw-financial-lifeline-to-womens-a-league-team",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-04T04:51:13.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ABC News AU",
    "slug": "abc-news-au",
    "url": "https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-08-04/future-secured-for-central-coast-mariners-women/106990568"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Holman Barnes Group, a major stakeholder in the National Rugby League team Wests Tigers, has pledged to take over the operation of the Central Coast Mariners women's A-League team. This significant move came after the women's team was left out of a takeover deal involving the men's team and the club's academy in June. The A-League squad had been in a precarious position, with a deadline of July 31 for securing an owner to ensure their participation in the upcoming season, which begins in October. Daniel Paton, CEO of HBG, expressed his excitement at being able to save the women's team and establish a sustainable, high-performance A-League women's program on the Central Coast. He also acknowledged the urgent need to find sponsors and build a competitive squad before the season kicks off in October. The group aims to continue the women's program at the Central Coast Stadium in Gosford, despite the possibility of moving to a smaller nearby ground. HBG's involvement comes at a crucial time for the club, which has struggled on the field, finishing 9th and 7th in the men's and women's leagues, respectively, in the previous season. The deal not only provides financial stability for the women's team but also offers a pathway for young players to progress from the club's academies to the A-League and potentially the Australian national team. Central Coast Mayor Lawrie McKinna praised the decision, highlighting the positive impact on local female footballers and the potential for national team development.",
  "summary": "The Central Coast Mariners women's team will be part of the upcoming A-League soccer competition thanks to a group better known for its interest in the NRL.",
  "key_points": [
    "Holman Barnes Group pledges to take over Central Coast Mariners women's A-League team.",
    "Financial lifeline ensures team's participation in upcoming season starting October.",
    "Group aims to build competitive squad and continue program at Central Coast Stadium."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}