Super League levels up: A bold new era begins with 14 teams and performance-driven ambition.
Clubs Unite to Back Bold Expansion Move
In a move that has shaken the foundations of British rugby league, the Super League is set to undergo its most ambitious transformation in over a decade. By 2026, the competition will expand to 14 teams, breaking free from the 12-team model that has defined the league since 2015.
The decision wasn’t a sudden pivot. After intense deliberations, all 12 current clubs unanimously agreed to greenlight the expansion during a pivotal meeting at Headingley. But this isn’t just about adding numbers—it's about redefining the structure of top-flight rugby league.
Unlike the traditional route of promotion and relegation, the updated format relies on a combination of metrics and merit. The path to the top will now be paved by performance, infrastructure, and strategic vision.
A New Decision-Making Engine: Who’s Steering the Ship?
At the heart of this revolution is a powerful new oversight mechanism: an independent panel led by Lord Jonathan Caine. Recently appointed to the Rugby Football League’s board, Lord Caine will also head the league’s strategic review sub-committee.
His task? To oversee the selection of two additional clubs that will join the top 12 in 2026. But entry won’t come easy. The panel will scrutinize clubs across a wide range of criteria—financial health, fan engagement, stadium standards, and sporting success. Only those that tick all the boxes will receive the coveted invitation.
The Grading Game: Performance Over Tradition
Behind this entire structural rethink lies IMG and Rugby League Commercial’s ‘Reimagining Rugby League’ blueprint. Over the past two seasons, clubs across all divisions—Super League, Championship, and League One—have been assessed through a rigorous points-based grading system.
Rather than relying on promotion battles decided in a single season, this system rewards clubs that demonstrate sustained quality—on the pitch and in business operations. It’s already been used to shape the 2025 competition, where Wakefield leapfrogged London into the top flight.
The message is clear: prove your worth in every area, or risk missing out.
No More Loops? A Fresh Take on Scheduling
With the league operating at just 12 clubs for a decade, loop fixtures became a workaround—doubling up matches to pad the calendar. While effective on paper, it sometimes left fans craving more variety and fairness.
That may soon change. The move to 14 teams offers the opportunity to ditch the loop system altogether and reimagine the season’s flow. Past structures like the “Super 8s” and late-season group splits may be history, but the league appears ready to write a new chapter—one that simplifies scheduling while heightening the competition.
Conclusion: The Beginning of a Bolder Super League
What’s happening isn’t just an expansion—it’s a reset. Super League is repositioning itself as a modern, merit-driven, and commercially savvy competition. With a focus on long-term growth, audience engagement, and sporting excellence, this shift could usher in a golden era for rugby league.
The 14-team model isn’t about quantity alone—it’s about quality. For clubs across all levels, the challenge is on: adapt, improve, and aim high. The door is open, but only for those prepared to walk through it.
