Perth Bears confirmed for NRL – what does this mean for AFL in WA?

[wildlion]

Well, it’s official — the NRL has confirmed its 18th team will be based in Perth, with the rebranded Perth Bears (via a North Sydney partnership) entering the comp in 2027.

After years of lobbying, the WA government and ARLC have struck a $50m deal to bring NRL footy back west. Rugby league hasn't had a presence there since the Western Reds folded in the '90s, but now it’s back — with a vengeance.

So here’s the question for the footy heads here:

What does this mean for the AFL in WA — and beyond?

Will this challenge West Coast and Fremantle’s grip on Perth sports fans?

Are we about to see a battle for juniors, broadcast space, and stadium scheduling at Optus?

Does this make AFL’s NT or second QLD team more urgent to keep its lead?

Could a third WA AFL team ever be on the cards to match it?

While AFL remains king in WA, this is a reminder the NRL is playing the long game with expansion, especially ahead of PNG joining in 2028. Curious how everyone sees this playing out, especially with a city like Perth already housing two AFL teams.

Does this spark genuine rivalry? Or is it a case of two different worlds coexisting?

...

[Quolls2019]

Well, it’s official — the NRL has confirmed its 18th team will be based in Perth, with the rebranded Perth Bears (via a North Sydney partnership) entering the comp in 2027.

After years of lobbying, the WA government and ARLC have struck a $50m deal to bring NRL footy back west. Rugby league hasn't had a presence there since the Western Reds folded in the '90s, but now it’s back — with a vengeance.

So here’s the question for the footy heads here:

What does this mean for the AFL in WA — and beyond?

Will this challenge West Coast and Fremantle’s grip on Perth sports fans?

Are we about to see a battle for juniors, broadcast space, and stadium scheduling at Optus?

Does this make AFL’s NT or second QLD team more urgent to keep its lead?

Could a third WA AFL team ever be on the cards to match it?

While AFL remains king in WA, this is a reminder the NRL is playing the long game with expansion, especially ahead of PNG joining in 2028. Curious how everyone sees this playing out, especially with a city like Perth already housing two AFL teams.

Does this spark genuine rivalry? Or is it a case of two different worlds coexisting?

...

After the initial “buzz” they will be about as popular as the force and have as much impact.

[wildlion]

I get the comparison with the Force, but I think the situation with the Perth Bears is a bit different.

Rugby union has always had a limited footprint in WA, and the Force were dropped into a comp that didn’t do much to support long-term growth. In contrast, the NRL seems to be making a much more strategic play with Perth — especially with a $50 million state-backed deal, national broadcast support, and a long lead-in before launch.

There’s already a decent NRL fanbase in Perth, especially among eastern-state expats and growing Pasifika communities. And with games at Optus, they’ll have a solid platform to build from — plus the Bears brand still carries some nostalgia and identity.

That said, you’re right to point out that initial buzz doesn’t guarantee long-term success. Sustained community engagement and junior pathways will be key — and that’s where both codes really need to step up.

[Fred]

Always difficult to know. I think WA is a stronger Aussie rules market than Victoria - they love their Aussie rules. How many RL clubs are there in Perth ? I’ll look it up? The key is winning - they’ll get a much better go at things if they can be a decent team. It’s a bit like the GC that way - difference being gc has always had a strong/large Aussie rules presence - with many teams and a few leagues already before suns come.

I hope it does okay - but nnrl will need to learn from their mistake in Melbourne when it first started - and not just plonk a team in there thinking everything will take care of itself, which I think they have learnt from.

[azif]

Well, it’s official — the NRL has confirmed its 18th team will be based in Perth, with the rebranded Perth Bears (via a North Sydney partnership) entering the comp in 2027.

After years of lobbying, the WA government and ARLC have struck a $50m deal to bring NRL footy back west. Rugby league hasn't had a presence there since the Western Reds folded in the '90s, but now it’s back — with a vengeance.

So here’s the question for the footy heads here:

What does this mean for the AFL in WA — and beyond?

Will this challenge West Coast and Fremantle’s grip on Perth sports fans?

Are we about to see a battle for juniors, broadcast space, and stadium scheduling at Optus?

Does this make AFL’s NT or second QLD team more urgent to keep its lead?

Could a third WA AFL team ever be on the cards to match it?

While AFL remains king in WA, this is a reminder the NRL is playing the long game with expansion, especially ahead of PNG joining in 2028. Curious how everyone sees this playing out, especially with a city like Perth already housing two AFL teams.

Does this spark genuine rivalry? Or is it a case of two different worlds coexisting?

...

After the initial “buzz” they will be about as popular as the force and have as much impact.

so says the captain
the clueless twat who said the Dolphins would be struggling by year 3

[azif]

It will force the fumbling turd show to make their 20th team , a 3rd Perth side.
PVL has already got them jumping at shadows left , right & centre ... & they will have a knee jerk reaction as per usual.

PVL is living rent free in their heads & they are struggling to keep up with the nations most innovative & progressive sport.
The Bears will be an instant success from sea to shining sea , great support in their home town of Perth & great support elsewhere from old Bears fans

[leeroy*NRL*]

Well, it’s official — the NRL has confirmed its 18th team will be based in Perth, with the rebranded Perth Bears (via a North Sydney partnership) entering the comp in 2027.

After years of lobbying, the WA government and ARLC have struck a $50m deal to bring NRL footy back west. Rugby league hasn't had a presence there since the Western Reds folded in the '90s, but now it’s back — with a vengeance.

So here’s the question for the footy heads here:

What does this mean for the AFL in WA — and beyond?

Will this challenge West Coast and Fremantle’s grip on Perth sports fans?

Are we about to see a battle for juniors, broadcast space, and stadium scheduling at Optus?

Does this make AFL’s NT or second QLD team more urgent to keep its lead?

Could a third WA AFL team ever be on the cards to match it?

While AFL remains king in WA, this is a reminder the NRL is playing the long game with expansion, especially ahead of PNG joining in 2028. Curious how everyone sees this playing out, especially with a city like Perth already housing two AFL teams.

Does this spark genuine rivalry? Or is it a case of two different worlds coexisting?

...

After the initial “buzz” they will be about as popular as the force and have as much impact.

how can you compare the FORCE to the BEARS?

BEARS are ran under the NRL which is massive in 60% of the population.
FORCE are run by RA who are being run by muppets..

Bears will have everything and more the FORCE wish they could have after 20 years of running in YEAR 1 of PERTH BEARS

[leeroy*NRL*]

i do not seeing it effecting the West Coast Eagles or Fremantle Dockers one bit really.
but what it will do >> is give sports fans choice to attend other things..
Corporate dollars (in perth there are plenty to go around)

[leeroy*NRL*]

Always difficult to know. I think WA is a stronger Aussie rules market than Victoria - they love their Aussie rules. How many RL clubs are there in Perth ? I’ll look it up? The key is winning - they’ll get a much better go at things if they can be a decent team. It’s a bit like the GC that way - difference being gc has always had a strong/large Aussie rules presence - with many teams and a few leagues already before suns come.

I hope it does okay - but nnrl will need to learn from their mistake in Melbourne when it first started - and not just plonk a team in there thinking everything will take care of itself, which I think they have learnt from.

News Limited owned the Melbourne Storm >> sold in 2013
since 2022 Storm have went Bang bang in all aspects in development and club since..

numbers have been stated before, but there around 30k playing numbers under the RL umbrella in PERTH (contact, tag, touch)
Triple that of VICTORIA >> all this with no Team.

18 clubs based in Perth and the South
13 clubs based in Regional WA

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_lea ... _Australia

[Fred]

I think people with no interest in rl or ru play tag etc.

18 rl clubs - that’s impressive for perth. 13 regional RL in WA - that’s amazing. I’m going to have to look this up.

[Fred]

Participation
edit
Category 2021/22 2023/24
Adult Male 4,441
Adult Female 1,002
Total 7,900[14] 5,443[1]

[makingnrlfansgowacko]

Participation
edit
Category 2021/22 2023/24
Adult Male 4,441
Adult Female 1,002
Total 7,900[14] 5,443[1]

last few years there has been a large influx of Irish, South Africans and Poms moving here along with a a lot from the East Coast wanting better wages cheaper housing & a quiet life and not live in traffic 1/4 of the working week, so would be interesting to know what that had on the increase of claimed playing numbers

[azif]

Well, it’s official — the NRL has confirmed its 18th team will be based in Perth, with the rebranded Perth Bears (via a North Sydney partnership) entering the comp in 2027.

After years of lobbying, the WA government and ARLC have struck a $50m deal to bring NRL footy back west. Rugby league hasn't had a presence there since the Western Reds folded in the '90s, but now it’s back — with a vengeance.

So here’s the question for the footy heads here:

What does this mean for the AFL in WA — and beyond?

Will this challenge West Coast and Fremantle’s grip on Perth sports fans?

Are we about to see a battle for juniors, broadcast space, and stadium scheduling at Optus?

Does this make AFL’s NT or second QLD team more urgent to keep its lead?

Could a third WA AFL team ever be on the cards to match it?

While AFL remains king in WA, this is a reminder the NRL is playing the long game with expansion, especially ahead of PNG joining in 2028. Curious how everyone sees this playing out, especially with a city like Perth already housing two AFL teams.

Does this spark genuine rivalry? Or is it a case of two different worlds coexisting?

...

After the initial “buzz” they will be about as popular as the force and have as much impact.

how can you compare the FORCE to the BEARS?

BEARS are ran under the NRL which is massive in 60% of the population.
FORCE are run by RA who are being run by muppets..

Bears will have everything and more the FORCE wish they could have after 20 years of running in YEAR 1 of PERTH BEARS

Super Rugby teams have a central distribution of around 1.5 million PA , they'd barely earn that much again through memberships & game day revenue
I don't know what their sponsorships $ are worth but it wouldn't be much.
the Force only survive due to money from Twiggy Forrest

The Bears straight off the bat will receive 30 million PA in a central funding from the NRL , will have 40K members ... 20K on each coast
average 20K to their home games
& sponsors will be lining up to get on that black & red jumper

They'll be doin... just fine

[Fred]

Participation
edit
Category 2021/22 2023/24
Adult Male 4,441
Adult Female 1,002
Total 7,900[14] 5,443[1]

last few years there has been a large influx of Irish, South Africans and Poms moving here along with a a lot from the East Coast wanting better wages cheaper housing & a quiet life and not live in traffic 1/4 of the working week, so would be interesting to know what that had on the increase of claimed playing numbers

Yes, good point.

[leeroy*NRL*]

I think people with no interest in rl or ru play tag etc.

18 rl clubs - that’s impressive for perth. 13 regional RL in WA - that’s amazing. I’m going to have to look this up.

LOL! what a load of rubbish!!!!

people with no interest in RL or RU play TAG !!!

i play Tag Footy every Tuesday >>>
pretty much everyone who plays loves the game and some love both codes.

why do people play TAG OR TOUCH ????

because alot of people do not like being belted in tackles or smashed running the ball!!!
not everyone wants to be in rehab session after each game FREDDY...

FREDDY OH FREDDY !!!