Perth Bears Confirmed as NRL's 18th Club for 2027

The National Rugby League (NRL) will expand with the introduction of the Perth Bears as its 18th club in 2027, marking the return of professional rugby league to Western Australia for the first time since 1997. The Western Australian government will support the team with A$65.6 million over seven years, and the club will initially be owned by the NRL before transitioning to member ownership after five years. Reviving the legacy of the North Sydney Bears, the club will wear red and black and play at least one home game annually at North Sydney Oval, with the rest at Perth's HBF Park. NRL officials, including chairman Peter V'landys, express confidence that the partnership with North Sydney will provide an established fan base, player pathways, and early competitiveness for the new team. The move is seen as both a nod to tradition and a growth opportunity, with plans to foster local talent and expand rugby league into Western Australian schools. The announcement is part of broader NRL expansion efforts, following the recent inclusion of the Dolphins and plans for a Papua New Guinea team in 2028.