After months of posturing, including threatening to walk away from their traditional home grounds, Wests Tigers have announced a 15 year stadium plan to play the club’s NRL and NRLW fixtures at Leichhardt Oval and Campbelltown Sports Stadium.
The commitment is underpinned by more than $100 million worth of identified local, state and federal government funding for upgrades to both venues.
This includes a $50 million redevelopment of Leichhardt Oval supported by a partnership between Inner West Council, the NSW government and Federal government, with construction on the venue to commence at the conclusion of the 2026 NRL season.
This is now in addition to an intended $50 million that has been identified for the redevelopment of Campbelltown Sports Stadium, in a project that will significantly enhance amenities for players, fans and support the club’s community programs.
Mayor of Campbelltown, Darcy Lound, who has been in talks with the clubs in the past few weeks, has welcomed the commitment from Wests Tigers to continue to build on their legacy in Campbelltown.
“I’m pleased to see Wests Tigers commitment to Campbelltown and our community and confirm their intention to play at Campbelltown Sports Stadium for the long term,” Cr Lound said.
“Our city has a storied history in rugby league and a passionate Wests Tigers fanbase who turn out to see their hometown team play at the stadium.
“The Campbelltown community has stood behind the Wests Tigers and built strong connections over many years,’’ Mayor Lound said.
“This commitment will see the futures of many aspiring young players continue to have a pathway to professional sport and for the fans, it’s a great win for the game.
“I look forward to working closely with Wests Tigers and our partners as this strategy unfolds,” Lound concluded.
The agreement, which is subject to the finalisation of commercial terms, reaffirms the club’s commitment to the Inner West and South West communities that it represents on a national stage.
In securing a long term home for the club’s NRL and NRLW fixtures in their spiritual heartland, the Wests Tigers now remain deeply entrenched in their catchments, where they have built strong connections through community programs and ongoing investment in development pathways.
The announcement represents an important milestone in the club’s overall strategic vision, and caps off an 18-month period in which the board and executive have driven significant change off the field – laying the foundations for the Wests Tigers long term success.
The strategy has been informed by extensive stakeholder engagement, research and planning; with the Wests Tigers to continue their work with Inner West Council and Campbelltown City Council regarding the commercial terms of the strategy.
These elements include the management of venues during the redevelopment of both venues, the allocation of fixtures year-to-year and the location of annual marquee games.
“Leichhardt Oval and Campbelltown Sports Stadium are significant to the rich history of the Wests Tigers, our foundation clubs and our members and supporters,” said Wests Tigers chairman Barry O’Farrell, the former NSW premier.
“We are extremely thankful to all levels of government, who have invested in facilities that will better serve their respective communities.
“I’d also like to acknowledge the work of both Inner West Council and Campbelltown City Council, who have been integral throughout this process and will play a pivotal role within this new strategy,” Mr O’Farrell said.