The season was started on 28 December 2020 and concluded with the Grand Final on 27 June 2021.

[3] The start of the season was later than previous seasons as a result of both the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia and New Zealand, and as part of a gradual shift to move the competition from summer to winter.

[5] Sydney FC were the defending champions and premiers, having won their record fifth and fourth titles respectively the previous season.

Melbourne City won their first premiership and championship title, leaving Sydney FC in second on both.

The following do not fill a Visa position: 1Those players who were born and started their professional career abroad but have since gained Australian citizenship (or New Zealand citizenship, in the case of Wellington Phoenix);[57] 2Australian citizens (or New Zealand citizens, in the case of Wellington Phoenix) who have chosen to represent another national team; 3Injury replacement players, or National team replacement players; 4Guest players (eligible to play a maximum of fourteen games)