ARLC, WA Government Seal Historic 18th Team Deal
The Australian Rugby League Commission has reached an historic agreement with the Western Australian Government that will see the National Rugby League’s 18th franchise based in Perth.
The Western Australian based team will join the NRL Telstra Premiership in 2027 following the landmark agreement, announced in conjunction with the Western Australian Government today.
ARLC Chairman Peter V’landys AM said the agreement was a watershed moment for rugby league. Not only returning an NRL team back to Perth, but also bringing back the mighty Bears.
“Rugby League is the biggest sport in Australia and the Pacific, so a team in the economic powerhouse of Western Australia is a natural fit. Why should West Australian fans miss out on the greatest game for all,” Mr V’landys said.
Mr V’landys said strong attendances at NRL and State of Origin matches over the last decade were proof of the strong appetite for Rugby League in WA.
“Western Australians love sport and now they have the opportunity to get behind a Perth based Rugby League Club that will capture the hearts and minds of fans across the country,” Mr V’landys said.
Mr V’landys was excited at the prospect of combining the heritage rugby league brand of the North Sydney Bears with the vibrant sporting community of WA.
“As a foundation club, the Bears have a rich history in the game and automatically provide hundreds of thousands of East Coast supporters for the Perth based team. The heritage of the Bears combined with the energy of the West will have this team flying from the outset,” Mr V’landys said.
Mr V’landys AM thanked Premier Roger Cook for his commitment to investing in WA Rugby League.
“Thanks to Roger Cook and the Government’s partnership and investment, we expect to double Rugby League participation in WA over the next five years,” Mr V’landys said.
“There are already 240 schools currently engaged in Rugby League programs in WA, and with Government support we are hopeful of driving this number to more than 500 schools.
“It should also be noted that the West Australian Premier is a shrewd operator as his investment will return much economic benefit to the West Australian economy,”
NRL CEO Andrew Abdo said the game has had a long 77-year history in Western Australia and this was an important moment in time to celebrate a Perth based NRL team entering the Telstra Premiership.
“There has never been a more exciting time to be part of Rugby League, and we are excited for sports fans in Western Australia and the country who will no doubt get behind the Perth-based team when it enters the competition in 2027.
“I’d like to thank Premier Roger Cook and the WA Government for their support of the game. This is a landmark moment for the state as well as for Rugby League,” Mr Abdo said.
Premier Cook said: “This is a great day for sports fans and a great day for the WA economy.
“A new WA NRL club will deliver jobs and new economic activity, including a boost in tourism and visitation as the WA brand is exposed to millions across Australia and overseas.
“I’d like to thank the ARLC for the robust negotiations we’ve undertaken, as both parties have sought to get the best deal for our stakeholders.”
https://www.nrl.com/news/2025/05/08/arlc-reaches-historic-agreement-with-wa-government-for-18th-team/