The Wests Tigers have refuted recent reports suggesting a definitive plan to relocate from their traditional home grounds in 2025. Speculation emerged Sunday evening, hinting at potential moves to either CommBank Stadium in Parramatta or the Olympic Stadium at Homebush for the majority of their home games next year. However, the club has clarified that they are still in the process of evaluating options and will unveil a three-year stadium plan by June 30.
In a statement, the Wests Tigers addressed the inaccurate reporting, emphasizing that they are carefully considering various alternatives for their stadium strategy, prioritizing what’s best for the club. They assured that once the stadium plan is finalized, members and stakeholders will be promptly informed.
The speculation was fueled by journalist Neil Breen’s remarks on 2GB Radio, attributing the potential move to stalled redevelopment plans at Leichhardt and insufficient corporate facilities at both current home venues. Despite suggestions of negotiations with Venues NSW, no concrete decision has been made. The Tigers’ future at Leichhardt Oval remains uncertain, prompting ongoing lobbying efforts for government support.
A potential move to CommBank Stadium would significantly increase its utilization, potentially hosting over 30 games for various teams next season. Concerns about losing sponsors due to playing away from traditional home grounds have also been raised, highlighting the financial implications for the club.
Ultimately, no final decision has been confirmed, underscoring the ongoing discussions between the Tigers, Inner West council, and the NSW State Government regarding the future of Leichhardt Oval.