LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
The Rugby League gods have spoken: the RFL has officially confirmed that the Championship and League One will be transformed into two leagues of 12 teams each by 2026.
This news has sent shockwaves through the Rugby League community, with fans and players alike gearing up for the new era.
This restructuring will see the Championship shrink from 14 teams to 13 in 2025, while the third tier will expand to 10 teams, with an invitation for an 11th team to join the ranks.
It's a bold move, one that promises to shake up the competition and bring a new level of intensity to the game.
Starting from 2025, a Super Eights-style system will determine which teams will rise to glory and which will face the bitter sting of relegation.
It's a high-stakes game, one that will keep fans on the edge of their seats and players fighting tooth and nail for their spot in the league.
With one team set to be promoted from League One this season, and two facing the harsh reality of demotion from the Championship, the pressure is on for teams to perform at their very best.
It's a battle of wills, a clash of titans, and only the strongest will emerge victorious.
This announcement comes hot on the heels of the imminent start of the new Championship season, adding an extra layer of excitement to an already thrilling time for Rugby League.
With London Skolars bowing out in 2023 and West Wales Raiders meeting their end in 2022, the playing field was looking a bit uneven.
But now, with this new structure in place, the future of Rugby League is looking brighter than ever.
It's a new chapter, a fresh start, and the beginning of a new era for the sport we all know and love.