… and now Western Australia is getting ready to welcome the league’s newest expansion team. We can’t wait to see its introduction to the league – which could come as soon as 2027 or 2028! Premier Roger Cook heralded the news, calling it a crucial move for the state’s sporting void. The club is officially recognised by the Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC), which has given the new club a five-year licence. This decision makes the club’s creation possible.
The West Australian Government has committed $60 million in direct assistance to support the club over the next seven years. This funding will be used to bolster the new franchise and help develop grassroots rugby league. Out of those funds, they have set aside $35 million just for community engagement and capacity-building. Aside from the price tag, this deal represents a significant strategic investment in the local economy.
From the outset, we pointed out that any agreement needed to ensure maximum value for WA taxpayers. We’ve gone above and beyond, and those Acil Allen modeling returns of $10 for every dollar invested represent a tremendous turbo-charging of our economy,” said Premier Cook. The government’s investment model ensures that every dollar invested stays in Western Australia. This holistic approach is a testament to their deep commitment to advancing homegrown prosperity.
The ARLC has recognized just how important this initiative is. They agreed to drop the hefty licence fee for the new club. This exemption frees up significant resources to be spent on building the team and developing local rugby league infrastructure.
Therefore, our supercharged negotiating position gives us the leverage to first make needs-based decisions. The new WA-based NRL side will be owned, controlled and chaired by its members, not a private corporation,” Cook said. This method lays the groundwork for strong community engagement and future ownership of the team. It dovetails nicely with the government’s own aspirations for the region’s sporting landscape.
Additionally, the agreement features a commitment to deliver $5.6 million in match-day assistance and promotional activities via Tourism WA. These initiatives are projected to generate further economic gains by bringing fans and boosting tourism around NRL-related events.
The announcement should be celebrated by sports fans and local communities all around the country. And now, a home-grown NRL team is within striking distance! This thrilling move will bring sports lovers together and increase the visibility of rugby league in WA.
