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Sport Nation
Perth Bears one step away from NRL license
SEN • April 24th, 2025 11:41 am
The Western Bears are one step away from becoming the 18th NRL team after the ARL commission agreed to a new proposal from the Western Australia government.
According to reports, a $50 million offer from WA looks set to seal the deal for rugby league to return to the West with the only remaining obstacle being support from all 17 existing clubs.
The latest bid was $15 million up from the $35 million initially proposed.
According to the SMH, if the deal is approved by all clubs, the Bears could be back in the league for the 2027 season after the ARLC met on Wednesday morning and "signed off on an increased offer from WA Premier Roger Cook."
"It's been on and off again for six months but finally they have found some common ground," Michael Chammas told the Today Show.
"There is an in principle agreement to bring the Bears in 2027.
"Now the NRL go to the 17 clubs today.
"They will have to get moving pretty quick because this is only 18 months away from the team playing their first game."
"I think they will wait until after the general election and Magic Round to announce this."
As well as Perth, a Papua New Guinea team is set to enter in 2028, giving the NRL a 19-team competition with 20 sides the league's ambition.
