Twelve clubs have met the deadline for lodging a formal expression of interest in joining the process for the proposed expansion of Betfred Super League to 14 clubs in 2026.
The clubs now have until September 12 to submit a full formal application for consideration by the seven-strong panel – with the decision on the composition of the 2026 Betfred Super League to be announced on October 16.
A majority of the current 12 Betfred Super League clubs voted at a meeting on July 28 that the competition should be expanded to 14 in 2026, subject to conditions – with the Club Grading System to determine the first 12 places as previously, and also to form the basis for the considerations of a panel that would make decisions on places 13 and 14.
Lord Caine will be joined by two fellow non-executive RFL directors – Abi Ekoku and Dermot Power – plus the RFL Chief Executive Tony Sutton and interim Head of Legal Graeme Sarjeant; Rugby League Commercial’s Managing Director Rhodri Jones; and Peter Hutton, the senior independent non-executive director of RL Commercial who is also a Super League (Europe) Board member.
In addition to the five pillars under which clubs are judged in the Club Grading System (Fandom, Performance, Finances, Stadium and Community), the panel will judge applications against a further set of criteria relating to Finance and Sustainability.
These include their financial performance in 2025; detailed financial performance and sustainability forecasts for the 2026, 2027 and 2028 seasons; and their ability to field a competitive team in 2026 and beyond.
For the latter, analysis will be provided by the RFL’s England Performance Unit.
