Formed in 2008, following the Australian women's national soccer team's most successful experience at a FIFA Women's World Cup and the call for the establishment of a professional women's league, the W-League was initially composed of eight teams: Adelaide United, Brisbane Roar, Central Coast Mariners, Melbourne Victory, Newcastle Jets, Perth Glory, and Sydney FC.

[1] Seven of the eight teams were affiliated with men's Hyundai A-League clubs, and shared their names and colours to promote their brands.

[5] It is also the home field for NPL Northern NSW club Broadmeadow Magic FC and occasionally the Newcastle Jets A-League Mens team.

[6] However after a successful attempt in 2017–18 to play some of the team's home matches before the Men's games as Double Headers the club announced in September 2017 that the upcoming season would consist of 4 Double Headers with the Men's at Mcdonald Jones Home Stadium and the sole home game being played at the No.2 Sportsground in Newcastle West which was also unveiled as the training ground for the W League and as a new home ground for the National Youth League sides as part of a partnership with Newcastle City Council.

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply.