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An in principle agreement between the two Perth-based AFL clubs and Perth Stadium operator Venues Live that will confirm the West Coast Eagles and Fremantle Dockers as playing their home games at the 60,000 seat stadium has reportedly been sealed.

Perth-based newspaper WAToday has reported that the deal is awaiting sign-off from the Western Australian Government.

With previous media reports having suggested the clubs were prepared to keep playing at the Domain Stadium unless a suitable deal was reached, the confirmation of the major tenants at the new $1.2 billion stadium, a year away from its opening, follows a recent announcement that English Premier League club Chelsea FC will play Perth Glory in a friendly match at the new venue in July or August next year.

With a deal in place, the Dockers and the Eagles are likely to enjoy a financial windfall from staging their games at the new venue.

Meanwhile, the Western Australian Government’s plans for the WA Football Commission to its 74-year lease at Domain Stadium and relocate to the WACA have stalled.

The WAFC have reportedly rejected a compensation deal worth around $100 million, apparently holding out for $11 million a year over 10 years along with further financial help to facilitate the move to the WACA.

However, WAFC Chief Executive Gavin Taylor said no deals had been rejected or accepted by the commission at this stage, stating “no offers have been accepted or rejected by the WAFC as negotiations are still in progress. Our discussions with the State Government’s representatives continue in good faith and further meetings are planned.”

Taylor added that “a future funding agreement is centred on the WAFC being the beneficiary of a revenue model from our two AFL clubs playing at Perth Stadium. This is what we call the ‘football economy’.

“The community is not being asked to unconditionally fund football through the government.

“The new stadium underpins WA Football’s financial model and it is crucial that football remains financially independent and can deliver its significant social and community outcomes across Western Australia.

 “As a not-for-profit organisation, the WAFC has a responsibility for more than 300,000 participants from Auskick to senior competitions all the way from Esperance to Kununurra, which rely on our funding.

“The WA Football Commission must also ensure there is clarity around a future home for football before any agreement is made to cede the Subiaco Oval lease.”

Speaking on Radio 6PR, Taylor added "I think football recognises the investment the state has made to this wonderful new asset that is the Perth Stadium. There are separate deals that are been done between the AFL clubs user's agreement and our future baseline funding model.

"That also relates to our future accommodation and where the footy commission and all of its staff and its programs and activities will be held."

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