North Sydney Bears’ NRL Aspirations Dimmed as League Abandons WA Expansion Plans

The NRL appears to be abandoning its plans for western expansion, with reports indicating it has pulled out of negotiations with the Western Australian government.

After turning down a proposal from a private group last year, the NRL had been in talks with the WA government regarding a team based in Perth that would have a formal association with the North Sydney Bears.

However, The Sydney Morning Herald reports that the NRL has informed the WA government of its decision to set the plans aside and reconsider them at a later time.

The discussions had been stalled during the WA election period, which may have influenced this decision.

The NRL had sought $120 million in taxpayer funding over a decade to establish the team.

In the coming week, the board will hold a vote to officially abandon the plan for a 19th franchise, which was scheduled to enter the league in time for the next broadcast cycle starting in 2028.

Catch the 2025 NRL premiership live and free on Nine and 9Now.

The timing of this vote aligns with a double-header event at Perth’s Optus Stadium next Saturday.

The next broadcast deal is projected to set record figures for the NRL, as the league prepares to introduce an additional game per round with the inclusion of a Papua New Guinea team in 2028.