The NRLW will expand to 10 teams in 2023, with four new clubs set to join the competition.
Announced on Wednesday, the teams are the Canberra Raiders, Cronulla Sharks, North Queensland Cowboys and Wests Tigers.
ARLC chairman Peter V’landys explained that the growth of the women's game - from grassroots levels to elite competition - is a priority.
“We have a blueprint for investing in the women’s game at all levels," V’landys said.
"We have seen from the quality of the 2021 NRLW premiership and the tremendous growth in female participation that we have capacity for sustainable growth.
“The commission have again demonstrated that the women’s game is a strategic priority. The quality of the club submissions was excellent.
"The commission had always left the door open to expand to a 10-team competition based on the quality of the applicants, and we have seen that come through both in the success of the 2021 premiership and the quality and applications made by clubs.”
NRLW has expanded rapidly since its inception in 2018, with only four teams - the Brisbane Broncos, Sydney Roosters, New Zealand Warriors, and St. George-Illawarra Dragons - taking part in the inaugural season.
Due to COVID-19 complications, the Warriors dropped out in 2021, but the Parramatta Eels, Newcastle Knights and Gold Coast Titans ensured further growth of the competition.
The latest expansion plans come following a previously-announced salary cap increase for the 2022 season, to take place in August this year.
Salaries are set to increase by an average of 28 per cent according to the NRL, with the $350,000 salary cap also including the ability for clubs to sign two marquee players each.
NRL CEO Andrew Abdo emphasised the importance the game's growth, and stated that further expansion is on the cards.
“Today is another exciting milestone in the growth of women’s premiership,” Abdo said.
“The Sharks and the Tigers have strong teams in the NSW women’s premiership, and the Raiders and the Cowboys already have strong participation bases.
“We will continue to work with all NRL clubs on the plans for further expansion beyond 2023 and the right time for each club to potentially enter the NRLW premiership.”
