In between the 2027 and 2029 matches, South Australia will lock horns with Victoria at the Adelaide Oval.
The league also publicly stated on Monday it “has not ruled out” Victoria – affectionally known as the “Big V” – hosting Origin matches at the MCG from 2030 onwards.
AFL State of Origin returned in February this year at Optus Stadium for the first time since 1999, on the back of the WA state government’s successful bid in securing the event as part of its economic diversification strategy – which has a solid focus on sport-based tourism.
On Monday morning at Optus Stadium alongside WA premier Roger Cook, sport and recreation minister Rita Saffioti and WA chairman of selectors Glen Jakovich, AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon said the league had a “great partnership” with the state government and that the concept was being embraced by both players and clubs.
“No one really knew what the game was going to be like,” he said.
“And what we actually saw was footy at its finest. The ball moved around. It was a quick game, lots of scoring.
“I think what we’ll see is there’ll be a different build up for the players. And we’ll work out what’s best for the game and the players.
“And if that meant shortening the quarters slightly, then we’ll definitely look at that.”
It is presently unclear how much the state government spent in securing the 2026 State of Origin clash between WA and Victoria, along with how much it spent to secure the 2027 and 2029 matches.
"As we've explained before, the actual negotiations, or the numbers in relation to any individual contract is subject to commercial in confidence arrangements," Mr Cook said.
"What I can say, is that each year we publish the return on investment as a result of our $80 million major events budget.
"That provides people with the confidence that we're getting value for the WA taxpayer. It really sums up the importance of making sure that when we puts these events on, we have the visitation and the economic activity which really demonstrates that this is a good value for money proposition for the people of WA."
However following the press conference in a media statement, the state government said $1,501,500 in revenue from the match would be reinvested into WA Football programs which focus on both regional talent development and school-based programs.
“It was a strong return on investment,” sport and recreation minister Rita Saffioti said when asked about the 2026 State of Origin’s match’s final cost-benefit result during the press conference.
“I don’t have that particular figure, but what we do is release the return on investment for the package of events.
“Look we’re very proud of our events strategy. We’re competing with other states all the time to get major events here.
“It brings tourists, it supports the hospitality sector and Western Australians get the chance to experience word-class events in their backyard, without having to travel and pay those airfares.”
Last month, Business News revealed a series of findings from leaked tourism-related documents, which gave an insight into the cost of securing recent major sporting events in WA.
When asked if the state government would consider bidding for Gather Round following the end of South Australia's recently renewed deal, a state government spokeperson said it would continue to work with the AFL in bringing matches to WA.
"The Cook Labor government actively works to secure a range of major and exclusive events that drive visitation, elevate WA on a global stage and generate significant media coverage for our state
"We’re always assessing new content to add to our always on year-round events calendar, to ensure there’s always a reason to visit Western Australia and affirm our reputation as the fastest growing events destination in the South East Asia region.
"We have a great relationship with AFL and we’ll continue working with them to bring more games to WA."
