The W-League has received a huge broadcasting boost, with weekly Thursday night matches to showcase Matildas stars through the summer.
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A Sydney derby on October 25 to kick off the season, a stand-alone AAMI Park Melbourne derby and 15 A-League double-headers were the highlights of the 2018/19 W-League draw release on Thursday.
Melbourne City will start favourites to win their fourth consecutive title, in a grand final to be played on February 16 or 17.
But it's the broadcast element that league chiefs hope will be the real game-changer for the national women's football league.
Every match will be broadcast or streamed on Fox Sports, SBS and the My Football Live app, with games also available to the United States and United Kingdom markets.
"It is our desire to make the Westfield W-League the football league of choice for the best female footballers in the world and football fans," said O'Rourke.
"With the FIFA Women's World Cup being held in France next year, all players, Australian and International, will be looking to impress in the lead up to the tournament and our expectations are that the on-field quality will continue to deliver thrilling moments for the fans.
"I am confident that this season of the Westfield W-League is set to be one of the best."
The league will also break for the Matildas' two matches against Chile, staged in Penrith and Newcastle, in November.
O'Rourke also hailed a pay boost for players.
The salary cap has also been bumped by 16 per cent to $350,000, meaning players will receive an approximate average of $17,500 for their services - with a floor commitment of $12,287.
Matches will also head to Morwell, Queanbeyan and Wollongong through the 14-round season.
Australian Associated Press
