Unlike most other codes in Australia, the A-Leagues pay roughly $12 million for the production of their games which are then broadcast on Network Ten and Paramount+.
GA was founded in 2021 and the deal with the A-Leagues was its first major contract, the latter hoped partnering with a start-up would help lessen costs.
The APL is believed to be up to $1 million out of pocket after already agreeing to advance payments to GA before it was placed into administration.
“We are disappointed in the manner in which this has come to our attention, and the risk this has placed on our fan, player, club, broadcast and commercial commitments,” the APL said.
“We have been let down, and will be working with the administrators to recoup monies owing to APL.”
But the demise of GA is the latest strategic black eye for the APL since its unbundling from Football Australia (FA) at the end of 2020.
Earlier this year, the APL laid off nearly half its staff and dismantled its digital arm, KEEPUP, after investing substantial sums in the launch of the new website which was hoped would be a go-to online destination for football fans.
It follows growing fan discontent in the aftermath of the decision to sell grand final hosting rights to the NSW Government, a move which was later reversed and replaced with the league’s first Unite Round.
On top of those factors, there is uncertainty over the ownership situation at Canberra United, who remain in the dark as to if or when their ALW outfit will be assumed by a prospective ALM bid.
Newcastle’s ownership situation - the Jets have been propped up by rival clubs for several years - continues to be at an impasse with fears for the club’s future beyond this season.
