Wagga Wagga will host the 2026 NRLW Magic Round in August 2026 with all 12 womens teams playing at Geohex Park in what is set to be a huge economic, sporting and tourism boost for the region.
NRLW Magic Round is made possible thanks to a major three-year partnership between the Minns Labor Government and the NRL, showing a shared commitment to driving economic growth in regional communities while promoting greater participation and visibility for women in sport.
Off the field, NRLW Magic Round will deliver a major boost to local hotels, cafes, restaurants and retailers, as well as showcasing the region to global audience with every match broadcast live on television and through streaming.
The Minns Labor Government and NRL partnership also provides young girls and aspiring athletes with the opportunity to develop their skills through clinics, school visits, coaching workshops, and a Magic Round fan day ahead of the tournament.
The inaugural NRLW Magic Round held in Newcastle in August this year featured high-quality wet weather football in torrential rain, a tough and entertaining showcase that underlined the scale and promise of what this event can be.
Geohex Park in Wagga Wagga, which has a crowd capacity of 10,000, has previously hosted Canberra Raiders NRL Premiership matches, NRLW pre-season games and a Country v City Origin clash.
The partnership is part of the NSW government's plans to build a better NSW and to highlight to metropolitan areas the opportunities to be found outside of Sydney.
Minister for Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said:
"Wagga has a proud rugby league history and is the perfect stage for this national event.
"I'm thrilled that Wagga Wagga will host next year's NRLW Magic Round, a celebration of elite women's rugby league and the communities that support it.
"I am incredibly proud that the Minns Labor Government has partnered with the NRL to help bring the NRLW Magic Round to regional NSW. It's a fantastic opportunity to showcase our regional communities.
"I look forward to seeing hometown heroes like Newcastle Knights' Tess Staines and Parramatta Eels' Rachel Pearson shine over what will be a fantastic weekend in one of NSW greatest regional centres.
Minister for Sport and Tourism, Steve Kamper said:
"NSW is the home of the NRL, and it's great to see Wagga Wagga host the 2026 NRLW Magic Round, where locals and those travelling from across NSW and beyond will have the opportunity to witness the NRLW's biggest names.
This is a big win not just for NSW sports fans, but for our regional business community. By hosting the NRLW Magic Round in our regional centres, we'll inject millions of extra dollars into local pubs, hotels and restaurants."
Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said:
"Events like the NRLW Magic Round show how our state continues to lead the way in creating a brighter future for women in sport.
"We've seen a tremendous increase in women sport in recent years, and hosting the NRLW Magic Round in a regional town like Wagga Wagga means we are making sure that regional women benefit from this.
"These games will provide regional women and girls opportunities to grow their interest, and hopefully inspire them to follow in the footsteps of their sporting heroes."
National Rugby League CEO, Andrew Abdo said:
"Wagga Wagga has a deep and historic connection to rugby league, producing several elite players who have represented at state and national levels.
"It's also the largest inland city in New South Wales, a vibrant hub of culture and the arts, not to mention great restaurants, accommodation and wineries, making it an ideal host for the 2026 NRLW Magic Round for players and fans."
Member for Wagga Wagga Dr Joe McGirr said:
"This is a huge win for Wagga Wagga, hosting next year's NRLW Magic Round will bring an electrifying atmosphere to the region and shine a national spotlight on the local community. It's not just a celebration of elite women's rugby league, but a chance for Wagga Wagga to showcase its hospitality, and passion for sport.
"Beyond the stadium, the economic effect will be significant local businesses, tourism operators, and hospitality venues will all benefit from the influx of visitors and media attention.
"It's a moment for Wagga Wagga to shine, and for the NRLW to continue its powerful momentum in growing women's sport nationwide."
