Three new NRL and AFL teams launch by 2028 with billion-dollar government
The Perth Bears, Papua New Guinea Chiefs and Tasmania Devils will launch by 2028, backed by over A$600 million in government funding.
Three new teams are reshaping Australian rugby league and football. The Perth Bears (NRL) and Papua New Guinea Chiefs (NRL) will debut in 2027 and 2028.
The Tasmania Devils will join the AFL in 2028. All three rely on government money.
The Tasmanian government pays A$12 million per year for the Devils and funded most of a A$1 billion stadium. Western Australia committed A$85.6 million for the Bears.
The federal government supplied about A$600 million for the Chiefs to build influence in the Pacific. Some expansion teams face steep odds.
Winning builds fan bases, but newer teams rarely do both at once. Early recruitment looks promising: the Bears signed Josh Curran, Gehamat Shibasaki and Corey Horsburgh under coach Mal Meninga.
The Chiefs recruited Zac Lomax, Jarome Luai and Alex Johnston under Willie Peters.
- 2027
- Perth Bears launch
- 2028
- Papua New Guinea Chiefs launch
- 2028
- Tasmania Devils launch
- A$85.6 million
- WA government funding for Bears
Why it mattersThese teams will reshape rugby league and AFL competition and test whether government funding can fast-track a successful sports franchise.
AustraliaAustralian rugby league and Australian football will have new teams to follow, with the Bears and Devils offering new regional fanbases in Perth and Tasmania.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 10 h ago
Open this story in InSnip →
