by Nine clubs submitted 2026 applications for an extended Super League – including two in competition.
The Rugby Football League has now revealed identity that the clubs, whose offers are viewed as a top flight, prepared to expand from 12 teams to 14 next year.
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This includes Huddersfield Giants and Hull FC, both of whom received the IMG class BS at the end of last year, which they would theoretically make susceptible to teams that overtake them from below.
However, Salford Red Devils decided not to apply like Castleford Tigers who were a class A club last year, and should continue that they would be automatically in the Super League next year.
Salford was a class B Club and in view of its ongoing financial difficulties, it seems that their time in the Super League is now officially coming to an end.
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Teams in the top 12, when the updated IMG stands are published, get an automatic place, whereby the 13th and 14th places are decided by a seven-person panel.
In addition to the five pillars under which clubs are assessed in the club evaluation system (fandom, performance, finance, stadium and community), the committee assesses applications for further criteria in relation to finance and sustainability and strength.
This includes your financial performance in 2025; Detailed financial performance and sustainability forecasts for the seasons 2026, 2027 and 2028; And their ability to set up a competitive team in 2026 and beyond.
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For the latter, the analysis is provided by the English performance unit of the RFL.
Nine clubs are applying for the Expanated Super League
Applicants include York Knights, who have secured the Leaders championship of the championship over the weekend and have secured the signing of Warrington Wolves Prop Paul Vaughan for 2026.
The neighbors Widnes Vikings, like Toulouse Olympique, who spent a lonely season in Super League in 2022, and London Broncos, who had relegated from top -class last year, just announced a transfer contract for the Australian legend Darren Lockyer.
Bradford Bulls, Doncaster and Oldham have also applied, whereby the composition of the Super League will be announced next year on Thursday, October 16.
