WA Premier Roger Cook has announced that Perth will become home to the NRL’s 18th team, marking the long-awaited return of the Bears in 2027 after a 26-year absence.
Following weeks of discussions, an agreement in principle was reached last week between the WA government and the ARL Commission. The official unveiling of the new Perth-based franchise is scheduled to take place on Thursday in the city.
In a statement shared on this week through social media, Cook expressed his excitement over the deal, confirming that funding arrangements for the Perth Bears had been finalised.
“My government will invest $60 million in direct financial support for the new club over seven years to secure this opportunity for Western Australia,” Cook stated. “An additional $5.6 million will also be provided for match-day operations and marketing over the same period.”
The return of the Bears promises to be a major milestone for WA sports, solidifying Perth’s place on the national rugby league stage.
