A new National Rugby League (NRL) franchise will launch in Perth in 2027, with the team to be based at HBF Park.
The Australian Rugby League Commission announced earlier today (Thursday) that it has struck an agreement with the Western Australian government.
The Perth Bears will become the 18th NRL franchise and will join the competition a year before another new team debuts in Papua New Guinea. The most recent addition to the league was the Brisbane-based Dolphins in 2023.
The new club will not be charged a licence fee, and the team will be chaired by a Western Australian and controlled by members. The ARLC will cover initial costs associated with running the club and guarantee its financial viability.
The state government will provide A$60m (£29m/€34m/$38.5m) in temporary direct financial support to the Bears over seven years, commencing in 2025-26, with A$35m ringfenced for development, including grassroots. An additional A$5.6m will be provided for matchday support and marketing over the seven-year period.
HBF Park, which has a capacity of 20,500, underwent renovation work ahead of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. The NRL agreement does not include any commitment for further improvements to HBF Park, but ARLC chairman Peter V’landys said the NRL is keen for the stadium to be upgraded in the future.
V’landys said: “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? 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.”
Western Australia Premier Roger 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.”
Perth will join Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne as cities that house both an NRL and Australian Football League (AFL) team.
