Super League will expand to 14 teams in 2026 after clubs approved the increase at the earliest possible opportunity. Officials from all clubs met in Leeds on Monday to discuss a strategic review led by Nigel Wood, the former chief executive of the Rugby Football League who returned as chair despite being paid over £300,000 to leave in 2018.
Nine clubs voted in favour of the proposal, with Hull FC and Hull KR voting against and Wigan Warriors abstaining. The review recommended expansion to strengthen the competition's financial future, but the next steps are complicated and highlight ongoing boardroom turmoil.
Twelve of the 14 teams for 2026 will be determined by the IMG gradings system, which scores clubs out of 20 based on on- and off-field metrics. The top 12 in October will automatically qualify, with Toulouse expected to replace Salford. The remaining two spots will be chosen by an independent panel led by RFL board member Lord Jonathan Caine, using criteria yet to be finalised.
Bradford Bulls, whose chair Wood was until earlier this year, are strong favourites for promotion. Other hopefuls include Championship leaders York Knights and London Broncos, who have boardroom support despite missing out under gradings. The move to 14 teams, last seen in 2014, comes ahead of a new broadcast cycle in 2027 and aims to eliminate loop fixtures where teams play each other three times.
