Perth Bears NRL Team Confirmed for 2027

Western Australia will welcome a new NRL team, provisionally called the Perth Bears, after securing a $65.6 million funding deal with the state government and the Australian Rugby League Commission. The team is slated to join the competition in 2027 or 2028 and will play at HBF Park, which will receive a $200 million upgrade. Additionally, a $20 million Center of Excellence will be constructed. The club will not be charged a license fee, and all funding is to be spent locally. The initiative is projected to generate A$28 million in annual economic benefits for the region. While links to the North Sydney Bears have been suggested, branding and structural details will be announced later.