The ABC are indicating that a Phoenix women's team for 21/22 is a done deal.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-09-03/apl-announces-plans-for-expanded-w-league/100430986
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-09-03/apl-announces-plans-for-expanded-w-league/100430986
Yes, that's very heartening to read.
The reporter seems very well-informed and relying on the APL as her source.
I like the sound of this Townsend bloke at the head of the APL - he seems to have some good plans to strengthen both the A-'league and the W-League and considers the Phoenix as adding value to the W-League.
He definitely has the bigger picture of how the A-League and W-League components of a franchise can work together to strengthen a franchise.