Australian NRL team Wests Tigers have settled on a 15-year stadium strategy that will see the club’s NRL and NRLW fixtures played out of Leichhardt Oval and Campbelltown Sports Stadium.
Wests Tigers said the agreement – subject to the finalization of detailed commercial terms – reaffirms the club’s commitment to Sydney’s Inner West and South West communities that it represents on a national stage.
The strategy is underpinned by more than A$100 million worth of identified funding for both venues from across local, New South Wales (NSW) and Federal governments.
This includes a 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 A$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.
Wests Tigers are an Australian professional rugby league football team, based in the Inner West of Sydney and South Western Sydney.
The 17,500-capacity Campbelltown Sports Stadium is a multipurpose stadium in Leumeah, a suburb in South Western Sydney, Australia, owned by the Campbelltown City Council. It serves as the home ground of the Wests Tigers.
The club also play home games at the 20,000-capacity Leichhardt Oval in Lilyfield, New South Wales, Australia, and the 30,000-capacity CommBank Stadium in Parramatta, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
The Wests Tigers said that in securing a long-term home for the club’s NRL and NRLW fixtures in their spiritual heartland, they 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 is 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.
Wests Tigers Chairman, Barry O’Farrell AO welcomed the announcement. He said, “Leichhardt Oval and Campbelltown Sports Stadium are significant to the rich history of the Wests Tigers, our foundation clubs and our members and supporters.
“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.”
Wests Tigers CEO, Shane Richardson said he was pleased the club’s venues were now secured for the long term.
He said, “We face a unique set of challenges as a joint-venture club and it was vitally important to ensure this strategy supported the long-term financial sustainability of the Wests Tigers, while maintaining a strong connection to the communities we represent.
“We set a very clear vision for the club, and this strategy is a significant part of that. It lays the platform for an exciting period for our Members and supporters and we look forward to sharing more developments on these projects as they are finalised.”
Mayor of Campbelltown, Darcy Lound welcomed the commitment from Wests Tigers to continue to build on their legacy in Campbelltown.
Lound said, “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.
“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.
“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.”
Mayor of Inner West Council Darcy Byrne added: “This secures the eighth wonder of the world as a home ground for the next generation of Wests Tigers fans. Laurie Nichols would be shedding a tear knowing that Leichhardt Oval has been saved as a rugby league venue for decades to come.”
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