The Perth Bears have announced a landmark deal with Budget Direct, marking the club’s first major commercial partnership ahead of its 2027 debut in the NRL.
This deal for a sleeves sponsor sets a new benchmark in the NRL and will include a significant financial commitment to the club during its non-playing year of 2026.
“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,” said Perth Bears CEO Anthony De Ceglie.
“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.”
Budget Direct’s chief growth officer Jonathan Kerr added, “as Australia’s most award-winning general insurer, our unique approach to sports sponsorship has always been much more than just a logo on a jersey.
“It’s about connecting with the communities where our customers and employees live and work and supporting both the teams and community programs that matter to them.
“Challenging the established competition and winning for our customer is in our DNA, so with such great alignment, we jumped at the opportunity to increase our support of WA through this major partnership with the Perth Bears.”
Perth Bears chair Ben Morton said that the partnership illustrates a strategic approach to securing landmark sponsorships across all categories even during their non-playing year.
“Over the past two and a half months, since the establishment of the Perth Bears Board and the commencement of our CEO and Head Coach on July 1, our board and growing executive team, led by our CEO, have been working methodically, diligently, and with purpose to establish the strongest possible foundation for the future and ongoing success of the Perth Bears Rugby League Club,” he said.
“Today’s announcement demonstrates this approach. Not only do we welcome Budget Direct as our first commercial partner, but we also smashed records in doing so.
“This is an exciting time to be a Perth Bears supporter as we establish our club and share this journey in the forthcoming months until we run onto the field in March 2027.”
