New club owner for Perth Glory

Family-owned property development and construction business Pelligra Group, backed by Ross Pelligra, is the new owner of Perth Glory. 

The announcement comes following news in November last year that a deal to pluck the club out of receivership had collapsed, due to the selected Victoria-based consortium being unable to meet specific conditions precedent to the transaction of sale. 

Pelligra Group has substantial property and sporting interests across Australia and Italy. From a sporting perspective, it owns former top-flight Italian soccer team Catania, which now competes in Italy's third division, Serie C.

In Australia, it also owns several basketball, ice hockey and baseball teams - including the Adelaide Giants, which recently won the Australian Baseball League's Claxton Shield after defeating the Perth Heat in a gripping grand final series. 

Its property project portfolio is equally impressive, which includes the Holiday Inn Melbourne Airport. 

In a written statement to club members and supporters, Mr Pelligra shared a glimpse of his vision for the club, which was based around re-connection, sustainability and success.

"Members and fans are crucial to the success of this club and we need to better engage with you and the broader WA football community," he said. "We need to build a club for generations to come. One that will produce future Matildas and Socceroos and one which will leave a positive legacy for Western Australia.

"If you don’t aim to be successful, then you’re not in it for the right reasons. Success comes in many forms and while we’ll aim for success on the pitch, we must be successful off it too."

Glory's inaugural 1996-97 campaign in the old National Soccer League competition was deemed a success under co-owners Nick Tana and Paul Afkos - and two seasons later, they made the finals for the first time under charismatic German coach Bernd Stange. 

The Glory went on to host a series of home finals matches at both the WACA ground and Subiaco Oval, with tickets becoming the hottest commodity in town. 

By the time the NSL ended in 2004, Glory had featured in four grand finals and six finals campaigns - with hopes high that this success would transfer over to the newly-created A-League competition.

Even though he was based on the eastern seaboard, Mr Pelligra said he recalls these NSL days very clearly.

"I distinctly remember watching Perth Glory on TV when I was a child back in Melbourne and thinking that football had arrived in this country when I saw a packed Perth Oval (now HBF Park) every home game," he said.

"Glory played an exciting and attacking brand of football that had everyone in Perth and greater WA captivated. That’s the energy we know exists here and that’s the energy, passion and pride we must rediscover.

"I want to help return the club to its glory days. We want it to be the envy of every other A-League club, just like it was when it was first founded. I know we’ve got a strong football community here in Perth and it’s time to reunite that community towards a common goal." 

Despite success on the pitch, the state of the game in Australia wasn't as rosy, with Glory unable to make a profit in their final three NSL seasons, despite turning over $6 million a year at the time. 

Mr Tana's ownership of the Glory ended in 2006, with fellow businessman Tony Sage becoming sole owner of the club in 2009, after buying out his partner Brett McKeon.

Mr Sage guided and financially supported the club through some challenging times, including the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In July 2023, the club was placed into receivership, with Mr Sage relinquishing his A-League licence. The Australian Professional Leagues governing body - which oversees the A-League - appointed KordaMentha as receiver while the club went through the sale process. 

Glory's chief executive officer Anthony Radich was keen for the club's new era to begin.

"Today’s announcement brings to an end what has been an extremely challenging period for Perth Glory and opens a new and exciting chapter in our history,” he said.

“The Pelligra Group brings a wealth of experience, knowledge and resources that we are confident will successfully rebuild the club’s reputation, image and credibility, revitalise its commercial relationships and most importantly, reconnect it with the WA community.

“With these key building blocks in place, Perth Glory’s enormous potential can be unlocked and the sustained success which our loyal members and fans crave and deserve can be delivered.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank our administration and coaching staff and players, along with our members and fans, for their patience and understanding during this period of transition for the club."

The ownership announcement was also welcomed by treasurer Rita Saffioti.

"Without our government’s support, there was a risk we could have permanently lost Perth Glory to WA," she said.

"The Glory is part of our community, having been a stalwart of football in our state for nearly 30 years. "We wanted to ensure the club could continue in WA, particularly to help facilitate pathways for young WA footballers.

"We’re committed to growing and promoting the game here in WA, and by investing in key infrastructure and helping to confirm the future of Perth Glory we’re creating a pathway for talented players to reach their full potential and compete at the highest level.

"Importantly, the Pelligra Group have experience managing football and other sporting teams, so we welcome their ownership of this proud club.”

The Glory's men's team host Brisbane Roar at HBF Park tomorrow night, with kickoff at 6.45pm AWST.