Western Australia ( WA ) will soon have its first National Rugby League ( NRL ) team, according to Australia.
Over the next seven years, the WA state government will invest A$ 65 million ( £31 million and$ 42 million ).
The news, according to WA premier Roger Cook, is “great information for athletics fans” in the position, which has traditionally been a” Australian Rules state,” and will also gain its economy.
The NRL has been attempting to expand its appeal, expanding to new markets, including hosting exhibition matches in the US, and inviting Papua New Guinea ( PNG ) to join the league full-time, both domestically and internationally.
The fresh team’s brand and colors are yet to be announced, and they are expected to enter either in 2027 or 2028 in the NRL Premiership.
Cook stated that the team will be led by a native Western Australian and all money raised by the state government may be spent in WA.
In a social media videos, he declared,” Not only will this get excellent information for sports enthusiasts, but it will also get great information for our economy and excellent news for jobs.”
Agreements between the WA state authorities and the American Rugby League Commission had been ongoing for decades prior to Wednesday’s announcement.
The innovative club is anticipated to bring in A$ 28 million in financial value when it begins to compete, according to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
For decades, the NRL has tried to expand its audience and expand its approach.
The American government announced last year that it would commit A$ 600 million over ten years to create a new team in PNG in a deal that required the Pacific region to reject security ties with China in partnership with the group.
The league has also partnered with the Ultimate Fighting Championship ( UFC) to expand the Australian sport’s appeal to Americans, this time for the second time, with marquee Las Vegas matches beginning the season.