Sounds promising. We might see Bye FC also re-enter the ALM next season
Though we now in late May, with lots of attention about to be on the World Cup.
It might be better Canberra Men come into the 2027/28 season.
Due diligence: massive step in Canberra's hopes for an A-League team
It's the news that's set to get Canberra A-League fans on the edge of their seats. Again.
Two ownership groups have submitted bids for a Canberra A-League licence, with the Australian Professional Leagues, which runs the A-Leagues, looking to make a decision within a month.
That hopefully means not only will the capital finally have an A-League Men's team - ending more than a three-year search - but it would also secure Canberra United's future.
It's rumoured both parties could pay $15 million for the licence.
The Canberra Times also understands both groups have met with Michael Caggiano - the leader of Canberra's bid to get an A-League team, who has been working on the project for the past eight years.
It was March 15, 2023, when the APL first announced the ACT as one of two preferred locations for expansion teams.
Auckland was the other city and Auckland FC entered the competition in 2024-25.
They're hosting their first grand final - against Sydney FC on Saturday - which is close to selling out within 24 hours of tickets going on sale.
But it's been a much slower burn for the capital.
It's believed the APL were in Canberra last week, potentially meeting with government and Capital Football.
They want to have a decision on an owner finalised within a month so they can start working on the 2026-27 fixtures for both the men and women.
Discussions with the two parties have been continuing for a month or two.
The APL's doing its due diligence on both bids and it's believed how the respective parties plan to form bonds with the Canberra community is a key element of their decision.
While the A-Leagues were optimistic of completing a deal, they're wary of not getting ahead of themselves given how close they've come in the past.
The preference is for both a Canberra men's and women's team to compete in next summer's competitions, but securing the future of Canberra United for the '26-27 campaign is seen as the first step.
Then it's about establishing a men's team - preferably for '26-27 as well, but potentially not until '27-28.
A longer run-up for a men's team would provide an 18-month gap after the FIFA World Cup 2026, which kicks off in the USA next month.
It would also provide Canberra United with clear air for a season - after several years of doubt over their future hanging over their heads.
Capital Football has struggled financially to run United, with the ACT's governing body finally declaring the past season would be its final one in charge.
United managed to put the uncertainty aside to finish third in the regular season, before bowing out to Melbourne Victory in the elimination final.
At the time it was unclear whether that would be the final game for the two-time champions.
The news is a massive boost for the players' hopes of there being a Canberra United next season.
The Canberra Times contacted Capital Football chief executive Samantha Farrow for comment.
APL chief executive Steve Rosich confirmed they were in the final stages of the process.
"We have two shortlisted parties that have provided strong proposals and we are aiming to have a preferred partner to take on Canberra United's women's licence within the month," he told The Canberra Times.
