Brisbane Tigers have formally launched their bid to become the 18th NRL franchise, opening a $10 million stadium in the process.
With the early success of the Dolphins in the top grade this year, league decision-makers are already eyeing off the inclusion of another team prior to the 2027 season.
The new development at Totally Workwear Stadium in Brisbane coincides with the launch of their application to join the NRL in the coming years, similar to how the Redcliffe-based franchise entered in 2023.
Brisbane Tigers NRL bid chairman Shane Edwards believes they have all the tools required to become a permanent fixture in first grade.
MORE: NRL expansion - who will become the competition's 18th team?
“South-east Queensland fans are craving more high-quality rugby league, with our four existing Queensland based teams still leaving our fans wanting more,” he said.
“Suncorp Stadium has the capacity to support another NRL team. This year’s 27 rounds of the regular season will see nine weekends where no game is played at Lang Park.
“With the strong attendance and audience figures we are seeing the Dolphins achieve in their debut year, we believe the Brisbane Tigers can provide a similar stimulus in the south-west corridor that takes in the Logan and Ipswich regions.
“We will build upon our programs that already empower Queensland grassroots footy clubs and thousands of local players to dream big, and offer unique fan experiences with the game we love.
“If successful in becoming the 18th NRL team, our goal is to be the go-to club for sports fans on Brisbane’s southside and western corridor and the millions of casual fans between the ages of 18 to 34 who do not currently support the Broncos, Dolphins or Titans.
“We are excited that this bid will give us an opportunity to further strengthen our community programs such as RISING, which facilitates outreach through rugby league and improves outcomes for students from historically low socio-economic and marginalised backgrounds in schools across the south of Brisbane.”
As it stands, the Tigers act as a feeder club for the Melbourne Storm and compete in the QLD Cup competition.
When will the NRL expand to 18 teams?
While there is no guarantee the NRL is going to expand, it looks more and more likely that it will occur prior to 2027.
ARLC boss Peter V'landys revealed the league's powerbrokers would look at the pros and cons before making a decision on an 18th team.
“We haven’t put a time on it," he said during an interview with Triple M earlier this year.
"It could be in 2025 or it could be in 2027 when the broadcast contract comes up for renewal.
“We’re going to look hard at the Dolphins situation to see what we have done right and what we have done wrong, and if there’s enough players to have that 18th team.”
Who will be the NRL's next team?
There are plenty of options for the NRL's next franchise, with plenty of opportunities across Australia and abroad.
A potential Pasifika or PNG side has been earmarked for the coming years, while the likes of Perth and New Zealand could also be considered.
Phil Gould has publicly backed the idea of another team hailing from south-east Queensland.
“I said for years that Brisbane needed a second team and now I think they need a third team,” he said on Six Tackles with Gus.
"If we’re going to put an 18th team in, that’s where it should be. They’ve got the population, they’ve got the supporter base to do it.
“There’s not another place on the planet that would be better for another NRL team than southeast Queensland, for the game and for sustainable success.”
When is the next NRL broadcast deal?
The next broadcast rights deal for the NRL is in 2027, which will be a huge factor in any potential expansion decisions.
With both Fox Sports and Channel Nine likely to push for renewals and other entities likely to place bids, the NRL will want to have the best product possible in order to maximise their earning capacity in the deal.
