Overview

• The NRLW has expanded to a 12-team competition in 2025 with the return of the Warriors and the Bulldogs’ debut.
• Five hold-out NRL clubs—Storm, Panthers, Dolphins, Sea Eagles and Rabbitohs—are in bespoke licensing talks to meet investment and facilities criteria.
• The 2023–2027 collective bargaining agreement caps the NRLW at 12 teams until its renegotiation for further growth.
• CEO Andrew Abdo emphasizes investment in grassroots programs, age-group competitions and high-performance pathways to sustain the player pipeline.
• Record participation rates and strong broadcast and crowd figures are driving confidence in the league’s natural expansion momentum.