Australia has announced a National Rugby League (NRL) team will be established in Western Australia (WA) for the first time.
The WA state government will invest A$65m (£31m; $42m) to set up and support the new club over the next seven years.
WA premier Roger Cook said the announcement is “great news for sports fans” in the state, which is has traditionally been Aussie Rules country, and will also benefit it’s economy.
The news comes as the NRL has been trying to broaden its appeal – both in Australia and globally – by expanding to new markets, including hosting exhibition matches in the US and inviting Papua New Guinea (PNG) to join the league full-time.
The new team, the name and colours of which are yet to be announced, is expected to compete in the NRL Premiership competition in 2027 or 2028.
Cook said all funding from the state government will be spent in WA and the club will be chaired by a local Western Australian.
“Not only will this be great news for sports fans, it will be great news for our economy and great news for jobs,” he said in a social media video.
Negotiations between the WA state government and the Australian Rugby League Commission had persisted for months before Wednesday’s announcement.
It is estimated the new club will deliver A$28m annually in economic value once it begins competing, according to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
The NRL has been trying to broaden its reach and attract new audiences for years.
Last year, the Australian government, in partnership with the league, announced it will invest A$600m over ten years to set up a new team in PNG – a deal that required the Pacific nation to shun security ties with China.
The league has also partnered with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) to expand the Australian sport’s appeal in the US, this year for the second time opening the season with marquee matches in Las Vegas.
