THE NEXT season of the NAB AFLW competition will kick off during the men's pre-finals bye in the first weekend of September, despite no Collective Bargaining Agreement yet being reached between the players and the AFL.
While season specifics are still up in the air, confirmation of when round one will be held gives clubs the certainty they need to plan for the AFLW season, with pre-season set to officially start on May 29.
No season-opener date has been confirmed with the AFL saying the season will start on "first weekend of September", which keeps the door open for a Thursday or Friday night match to commence the season.
The current CBA, which outlines the basic terms of a player's employment such as minimum salary and hours worked, expired at the end of season seven and negotiations are currently underway on a new agreement.
The AFL's footy operations boss Andrew Dillon said the specifics of the season were still being ironed out between the AFL Players Association and the League.
"We want to provide certainty to AFLW players, clubs and fans while the CBA negotiations are ongoing," Dillon said.
"Season length and structure continue to be discussed as part of CBA negotiations. Planning is well underway and we are excited for the AFLW season ahead.
"The first weekend of September is the best time for the 2023 season to start, with all eyes on the AFLW due to the bye in the AFL.
