NRL 2024: Western Bears expansion bid formally rejected by Peter V’landys and ARL Commission

In a stunning development in the battle for the 18th NRL licence, the Western Bears have had their bid to join the league rejected by Peter V’landys and the ARL Commission, opening the door for the NRL to take control of a new team in Perth.

ARL Commission boss Peter V’landys has dropped an expansion bombshell by formally rejecting the Western Bears’ bid, opening the door for the NRL to take control of a new team in Perth.

It is understood the shock development is no threat to the return of the Bears, but will mean the NRL works directly with the WA government on a new franchise as they look to replicate the model that the AFL used with GWS and Tasmania, who are slated to enter their competition in coming years.

The NRL’s decision to explore alternative models comes after the Western Bears’ application to enter the big league in 2027 was knocked back by the ARL Commission amid specific concerns surrounding a multi-million dollar licence fee.

It is understood their bid document did not propose to pay a licence fee despite consortium bosses being told on at least two occasions by senior NRL officials prior to deadline day that they would need to pay a significant amount.

This masthead understands that the new consortium was expected to pay a fee of up to $20 million over the first two years of their existence, which would then have been used to help placate the existing clubs.

The Western Bears bid was an amalgamation of a Perth consortium and North Sydney, and had the support of the West Australian government.

ARL Commission boss Peter V'landys has formally rejected the Western Bears’ bid.

The NRL is continuing talks with the WA government as they weigh up retaining the licence and financing their own team, which would still involve a partnership with the Bears.

It is the same model the AFL has successfully used to expand in recent times, firstly in western Sydney with GWS and then when they announced their plans to add a team in Tasmania in coming years.

In both cases, the AFL retained the licence. The ARL Commission is now considering the same as they consider taking charge of the expansion franchise in its infancy before potentially selling to a private investor in later years.

V’landys hinted at concerns with the existing Western Bears bid - which was headed up by Cash Convertors boss Peter Cumins - at Sunday’s grand final and confirmed it was now on life support.

“The bid that the consortium has put in has been rejected,” V’landys said.

“We will still deal with the Western Australian government to try and resuscitate the bid.

“The bid that they put in was significantly short.

“No bid team can take the expansion process for granted. I have made this clear from day one.

“We will only expand if there is a firm business case and at the moment Perth’s business case doesn’t stack up.

“If we can’t stack it up I can’t take it to the members for consideration. All I will say is that their bid is extremely short.

The Western Bears are an amalgamation of a Perth consortium and North Sydney. Picture: Julian Andrews.

“I will have more talks with the WA government, but not necessarily the current consortium.”

The NRL informed WA government officials that all was not well during Sunday’s grand final. Despite the obvious setback, Western Australia Premier Roger Cook is still calling on the NRL to have a top flight rugby league side based in Perth for the first time since 1997.

“Western Australia is the obvious choice for a new team, and the NRL knows WA is a great option for the league’s expansion,” Cook said. “They know WA is a clear market for the NRL, we offer significant broadcasting opportunities that are unmatched by the other bids and a Perth team would be ready to go for the 2027 season.

“The State Government isn’t involved in the consortium’s private bid. However, we have a supporting role and have expressed our willingness to work with the NRL on things like delivering top-tier grounds and high-performance facilities, an expansion of our successful nation-leading player development program in schools, and support to deliver pre-season fixtures in regional WA to help build a brand and get the community behind the club.

“Western Australians have shown extraordinary support for NRL in WA in recent years. I encourage fans to keep showing their support for the league and make it impossible to ignore the momentum we’re seeing here in the west.”

While the WA bid is on the verge of imploding, the NRL’s push to include PNG into the competition looms increasingly likely.

Minister for International Development and the Pacific Pat Conroy, PM Anthony Albanese, PNG PM James Marape, and Minister for Sport Anika Wells at the NRL grand final.

PNG Prime Minister James Marape was at Sunday’s grand final where he met with Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese, opposition leader Peter Dutton and the NRL’s top brass.

Marape said PNG were closing in on entry into the NRL.

“I am happy with the progress so far,” Marape said. “I commend the strong support we are receiving from the Australian Cabinet, as well as the majority of parliament, including members of the opposition. We also acknowledge the substantial financial and administrative backing of the Australian Government.

“There are a few more regulatory processes to complete before an official announcement can be made, but the future is looking bright for our national team.

“This aspiration is not just about sports—it’s about fostering national development and unity. “With over 10 million passionate supporters, a PNG NRL team would further strengthen the bonds between our two nations.”

Originally published as NRL 2024: Western Bears expansion bid formally rejected by Peter V’landys and ARL Commission