Perth Bears secure record sponsorship deal, close in on deal with feeder-club Brisbane Tigers

The Perth Bears have struck gold ahead of their entry into the NRL, securing a record-breaking sponsorship deal, while closing in on an alliance with a powerhouse feeder club.

The Bears have secured the biggest sleeve-jersey sponsorship in NRL history. Picture: Getty Images

The Perth Bears are on the verge of striking a feeder-club alliance with the Brisbane Tigers as the NRL’s 18th franchise looks to expand its powerhouse brand to Queensland.

The revelation comes as the Bears on Wednesday struck a landmark seven-figure commercial deal – setting a new record for the biggest sleeve-jersey sponsorship in NRL history.

The Bears have secured their first major commercial partnership with Budget Direct agreeing to a sleeve sponsorship worth north of $1 million annually, almost double the NRL average of $600,000 for sleeve sponsors.

But Perth are flexing their muscle in other areas, with Bears bosses in talks with the cashed-up Brisbane Tigers to be their Queensland affiliate club for their entry to the NRL in 2027.

The Bears have secured the biggest sleeve-jersey sponsorship in NRL history. Picture: Getty Images

The Melbourne Storm recently severed ties with the Tigers and Sunshine Coast and the Bears have pounced in a strategic grassroots plan that will give them a two-pronged feeder-club presence in NSW and Queensland.

Perth have existing grassroots support with the North Sydney Bears and they will also add the Brisbane Tigers to their second-tier stable to ensure the NRL’s expansion club is competitive from day one.

It is understood the parties are in the advanced stages of negotiations with Perth bosses expected to announce the Brisbane Tigers affiliation next week.

The Tigers are one of the richest football operations in Australian sport. They boast a portfolio base of $135 million and cash reserves in excess of $25m, with the Brisbane Tigers among several clubs hoping to be the NRL’s 20th team if the ARL Commission decides on fresh expansion for 2030 and beyond.

For now, the Tigers are joining forces with the Bears, who are building a formidable grassroots and commercial base off the field in their aim to be the richest club in the NRL.

The Bears are on the verge of striking a feeder-club alliance with the Brisbane Tigers. Picture: John Gass

Bears CEO Anthony De Ceglie declined to comment on the Tigers partnership but confirmed Perth’s first commercial deal will make the club a force to be reckoned with ahead of their NRL admission.

“We could be commercially the most successful NRL club before we even step on the field,” De Ceglie said.

“We have built a great front office and with this commercial deal, and the work we are already doing, we are ready to pounce.

“When you look at the new benchmark that we are setting for the NRL with this announcement, we are setting records before we even play our first game.

“Our aim is to be a commercial powerhouse of the NRL and to win off the field as much as we do on the field.

“Budget Direct is a powerful brand with a proven track record of making the absolute most of its sporting partnerships and we can’t wait to work together to make the Perth Bears a giant on-and-off the field.

“The Perth Bears are a rare and special club – unlike anything else in the country – that allows brands the chance to have a monopoly on the NRL in Western Australia while also having a second home and supporter base in the bustling North Shore of Sydney.

“We believe it the most exciting opportunity in the Australian sporting landscape right now and this record deal is proof of that.”

The Bears have secured the biggest sleeve-jersey sponsorship in NRL history. Picture: Getty Images

The Brisbane Tigers have been trying to win an NRL licence since 2020, when they lost out to the Redcliffe Dolphins in the battle to be the premiership’s 17th team.

Formed as Coorparoo in 1917, the Tigers’ brand is 108 years old and they have historic synergies with the Bears, who will return to the big league in 2027 after a 28-year hiatus.

Perth will send members from their 30-top squad to play for the Bears in NSW and Tigers in Queensland as feeder clubs in the second tier.

The Bears will also use Brisbane Tigers’ training facilities at Langlands Park when they travel to Queensland for away games against the Broncos, Titans and Dolphins.

Originally published as Perth Bears secure record sponsorship deal, close in on deal with feeder-club Brisbane Tigers