Super League shareholders approve 15 rugby clubs for 2027

Super League shareholders have approved expanding the rugby league competition to 15 clubs for the 2027 season. The vote changes the size of the top flight but does not select the additional club.

The decision follows an expansion from 12 to 14 teams for 2026. Bradford Bulls, York Knights and Toulouse Olympique joined, while Salford Red Devils dropped out after a financially troubled 2025 season.

Super League clubs can change the competition’s size, but the Rugby Football League decides which clubs enter, Love Rugby League explained. Its October 28 report said club gradings determined the places for York and Toulouse in the previous expansion, and each received half the usual central distribution.

Who could take the extra place?

Sky Sports said clubs are expected to be invited to apply and London Broncos are expected to seek the place. It is not yet known whether other clubs will enter the process.

London won the 2026 Championship Grand Final and 1895 Cup but finished 16th in the annual club grading, below fellow second-tier club Barrow Raiders. London were overlooked when the competition expanded for 2026. Love Rugby League said Barrow finished 15th and had said they were not ready for Super League in 2027.

Love Rugby League also said London had agreed to forgo central distribution if admitted, after existing clubs made that a condition of welcoming them. The Rugby Football League board will set the admission criteria.

Selection and investment

BBC Sport said a completed investment deal with Australia’s National Rugby League would be expected to require London to play in the top flight. Sky Sports reported that in October, Leigh Leopards owner Derek Beaumont opposed the proposed deal over London’s inclusion, citing the club’s grading position and seeking an independent-panel process like the one used for York and Toulouse.

Leeds Rhinos, St Helens, Hull KR and Hull FC issued statements supporting the proposed partnership. St Helens said it was part of a plan to globalize the sport, while the Hull clubs said it could be a defining moment for rugby league in the northern hemisphere.

Super League said it had passed the decision to the Rugby Football League board. The board will set admission criteria and assemble a panel to assess candidates, Super League said. A recommendation will follow in due course. Fixtures, broadcast negotiations and a new title sponsorship deal for 2027 have yet to be finalized.