LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
The Perth Bears are set to join the National Rugby League (NRL) as the competition's 18th franchise, confirmed by Western Australia Premier Roger Cook.
The NRL team, slated to compete in 2027 or 2028, will operate with the full backing of the North Sydney Bears.
The West Australian government has finalized a $65.6 million deal to establish the new team.
An in-principle agreement with the Australian Rugby League Commission was reached two weeks ago and is now officially authorized.
Cook announced the development on social media, expressing enthusiasm for the impact on both sports fans and the state's economy.
"We've secured a new WA NRL club for Western Australia! This is a great day for sports fans and a great day for the WA economy," he stated.
With the emergence of the Perth Bears, Cook emphasized that the new NRL team would "compete just as hard at NRL" as Western Australia's existing AFL teams, marking a significant milestone for local sports.
The formal announcement is anticipated to take place in Perth on Thursday.