The Perth Bears have secured another major Western Australian partnership, with construction firm Atlas Building signing on as the club’s bottom back-of-jersey sponsor in a landmark deal.
The agreement adds to a growing list of foundation partners backing the NRL expansion club ahead of its 2027 debut, including Cash Converters, Budget Direct, McDonald’s, Gage Roads, IBM and New Balance.
Backing from iconic WA builder
Atlas Building is one of Western Australia’s most established construction companies, responsible for delivering several of the state’s landmark projects.
Led by Julian Ambrose, the business has long supported rugby league at both senior and grassroots levels in WA, a commitment that will now extend to the Perth Bears as they prepare to enter the NRL Premiership.
Perth Bears CEO Anthony De Ceglie said the partnership reflects strong alignment between the club and WA’s business community.
“We wake up every morning feeling privileged to have the opportunity to bring the country’s most-watched sporting code to Western Australia,” De Ceglie said.
He credited Australian Rugby League Commission chair Peter V’landys and NRL CEO Andrew Abdo for the code’s current growth trajectory, describing the Perth Bears as “the most exciting story and the best opportunity in Australian sport.”
Ambrose said the partnership was both professionally and personally meaningful.
“As a Western Australian-owned and operated company we are proud to be able to partner with the Perth Bears as they enter the NRL Premiership as a Western Australian team,” he said.
“To be involved in the further development of rugby league at a senior and community level in our own state is not only an honour but also personally satisfying.”
Building foundations on and off the field
Perth Bears Chairman Ben Morton noted Atlas’s role in upgrading the club’s home ground, HBF Park, as well as other major WA venues such as RAC Arena.
“Partnerships like this help create the best possible foundation for our success both on and off the field,” Morton said.
Head Coach Mal Meninga added that the deal aligns with the club’s character-driven culture.
“Whether it is a player or a partner, on and off the field, we are building a character-led club, and in Atlas, we have a partner who has a genuine love for the game and a deep-seated connection to the WA community,” Meninga said.
“They bring exactly the right kind of energy we want around the team as we head towards our 2027 debut.”
Top Image: Anthony De Ceglie and Julian Ambrose