- New WA NRL side Perth Bears to help diversify the economy and create jobs
- New club will not be charged a license fee
- Every cent of direct financial assistance provided by the WA Government to the club to be spent in Western Australia
- ACIL Allen modelling indicates a positive return to WA taxpayers
- Club to be chaired by a Western Australian and controlled by members, not a private company
The Western Australian Government has reached agreement with the Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) for a new membership-based, not-for-profit WA club the Perth Bears to join the NRL Premiership competition in 2027.
The agreement will see Perth join Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne as cities hosting professional AFL and NRL sides, delivering a significant economic benefit to Western Australia.
To get the club off the ground, the ARLC will cover costs associated with running the club and guarantee its financial viability.
The WA Government will provide temporary direct financial support to the club of $60 million over seven years, commencing 2025/26, with $35 million ring-fenced for development, including grassroots.
An additional $5.6 million will be provided for match day support and marketing over the seven-year period.
Importantly, every dollar of direct financial support will be spent in Western Australia. The NRL will not charge the club a license fee for participation in the NRL Premiership competition.
The club will also benefit from several community sports infrastructure projects funded separately by the WA Government, including a new high-performance centre to be shared by rugby league and rugby union in Malaga.
With the WA Government having previously undertaken a range of upgrades at HBF Park, this agreement does not include any commitment for further ground improvements.
ACIL Allen modelling undertaken for the Department of Treasury found that a WA-based NRL team would generate $28 million in annual economic benefits to Western Australia, once the club was competing in the NRL Premiership competition.
Assuming an entry date of 2027, $168 million in economic benefits would be delivered over the seven-year period of direct financial support, delivering a return on investment for WA taxpayers of 2.56:1.
As stated by Premier Roger Cook:
"This is a great day for sports fans and a great day for the WA economy.
"Because of our strong negotiating position, we've secured a new WA-based NRL side that will be chaired by a Western Australian and controlled by members, rather than a private company.
"The ARLC has accepted our position that the club should not be charged a license fee and that every dollar in direct financial assistance provided by the WA Government be spent in WA.
"From the beginning, we've said any deal would have to represent value for WA taxpayers and that is what we have delivered, with ACIL Allen modelling indicating a significant return on investment to our 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 now join Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne as cities that host both NRL and AFL sides, and I'd back us to compete just as hard in the NRL as we do in the AFL.
"So, now let's get behind our new NRL side as we put the 'national' in NRL!"
As stated by Sport and Recreation Minister Rita Saffioti:
"To make the National Rugby League a truly national competition, you have to have a team from WA competing.
"This is an exciting announcement for league fans and Western Australians right around the State, who will now have the opportunity to support their own team in a few years' time.
"We've held numerous in-season NRL games here in WA, whether it be double-headers at HBF Park or the State of Origin at Optus Stadium, and these have had fantastic attendances and generated money for the State.
"Of course, the new Malaga Sports Precinct will be a fantastic addition to the great sporting infrastructure we have across the State, benefiting not only the new NRL club but grassroots rugby and other sport as well."
