LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
Twelve clubs have expressed interest in joining the expanded 14-team Betfred Super League for the next season.
According to skysports.com, it was confirmed at a league meeting in July that the Super League will increase its number of teams from 12 to 14 for the 2026 season.
The clubs that met the formal expression of interest deadline now have until September 12 to submit complete application forms for the proposed expansion.
A seven-member panel will use the league's Club Grading System to evaluate applications for the final two spots, with decisions expected to be announced on October 16.
This panel consists of Lord Caine, RFL directors Abi Ekoku and Dermot Power, RFL chief executive Tony Sutton, interim legal head Graeme Sarjeant, Rugby League Commercial managing director Rhodri Jones, and Peter Hutton, the senior independent non-executive director of RL Commercial and a member of the Super League (Europe) board.
Clubs will be assessed based on five criteria: fandom, performance, finances, stadium, and community. The panel will focus on financial stability and the potential for sustainable operations in their evaluations.