Western Australia celebrates as new NRL team is locked in

7NEWS07-05-2025

Western Australia is celebrating after premier Roger Cook revealed the state is getting a new NRL team.
After the drawn-out negotiations with the Australian Rugby League Commission concluded, Cook said it was a 'great day for sports fans' while revealing the government will spend $65 million on the club.
WA will splash $60 million in direct assistance to the club over seven years, with $35 million set aside to promote grassroots rugby league.
Also included in the deal is $5.6 million match-day support and marketing through Tourism WA.
'Because of our strong negotiating position, the new WA-based NRL side will be chaired by a Western Australian and controlled by members, rather than a private company,' Cook said.
'The Australian Rugby League Commission 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.'
The team could make its first appearance in the NRL in 2027 or 2028.