The Brisbane Jets are making a last-ditch pitch to the National Rugby League to be the 17th team in Australia. The team has already secured more than $23 million in guaranteed funding and equity from private investors, as well as guaranteed annual sponsorship of over $4 million. The financial model that the Jets have worked out with the NRL and their advisors reveals that the team will be profitable, with reserves of about $47 million by 2027.
The Brisbane Jets are exploring a merger with the Brisbane Broncos, but the NRL is wary of expansion because of concerns about treading on the existing teams. However, Jets owner Craig Livermore is confident that his team will be able to stand alone and is confident in their ability to attract partners. The team has already shortlisted three locations to set up its training facilities and administrative offices.
The Jets have a good track record and are a commercially successful side. They will share a stadium with the Ipswich Jets, but will play most of their games at Lang Park. They will also be redeveloping the North Ipswich Reserve into a 20,000-seat venue. The team would be able to retain the fans and players of the Brisbane Broncos.
While the Jets’ bid is not without issues, the new venture would benefit the Dolphins and Firehawks. They have both spent hundreds of millions of dollars on stadiums and training facilities. The bid has strong support from the Federal Member for Blair, Shayne Neumann. If the Jets are to become the new NRL team, the team will be the feeder club for the Newcastle Knights.
The team would be ready for the 2023 season if approved by the NRL expansion committee. The team has two years to submit their bid, with a decision expected to be announced in August. A representative of the Jets said the club would be ready by that time if the competition was successful. If approved, the proposed stadium would be located at North Ipswich Reserve in Queensland.
The Ipswich City Council has said it would be willing to fund more than $10 million for a stadium for the Jets. The project would involve redeveloping the North Ipswich Reserve Stadium, with a capacity of 10,000. It would cost $220 million to complete the project. Bennett, who is currently the head coach of the Ipswich Jets, has also been linked to the bid. The new team would be based in the Ipswich-West Brisbane area and play most of their home games at Suncorp Stadium.
The Brisbane Jets are among three teams bidding for the 17th franchise. The other two are the Brisbane Knights and the Brisbane Firehawks. The latter is backed by the Easts Tigers club, which is based in the inner south-south suburb of Stones Corner. The stadium would be redeveloped and used as a centre of excellence.
If the Brisbane Jets win the franchise bid, they will not be named Redcliffe. They will adopt a new name. The club is expected to be added to the NRL in 2023. If they’re the winner, they will take over the franchise from the Gold Coast Titans. However, the Dolphins are yet to announce their decision formally. But they’re already celebrating the news on social media.