LeagueNews.co | Robbie Hamilton
The current 12 clubs in Super League have voted to expand the top flight to 14 clubs starting from the 2026 season. This decision brings forth several key questions about how it will be implemented, its consequences, and the subsequent steps to take.
On July 28, 2025, Sky Sports reported that the Super League clubs had agreed to increase the competition to 14 teams.
During an episode of Sky Sports' The Bench podcast, RFL chair Nigel Wood remarked on the sport's future, stating that it "should be following and pursuing an expansion strategy - but not recklessly."
Although expansion is seen as a long-term goal for the sport, many were taken aback that the 12 established clubs chose to move forward with the decision ahead of the 2027 season.
Among the voting clubs, nine expressed their support for the expansion: St Helens, Leeds Rhinos, Leigh Leopards, Salford Red Devils, Huddersfield Giants, Castleford Tigers, Wakefield Trinity, Catalans Dragons, and Warrington Wolves.
Conversely, Hull FC and Hull KR opposed the proposal, while Wigan Warriors chose to abstain from voting.