Leeds, January 30, 2026
Super League Expands, But Doubts Linger Over Future Growth
Table of Contents
The Super League will welcome three new teams in 2026, expanding to 14 clubs, but concerns remain about the financial stability of the sport.
- The 2026 Super League season will feature Bradford, York, and Toulouse as new teams.
- Wigan Warriors abstained from the vote to expand the league.
- Financial concerns persist within the sport, highlighted by recent club collapses.
- Hull KR’s success is seen as a positive, but not a guarantee of widespread stability.
The Super League is poised for change, growing from 12 to 14 teams with the addition of Bradford, York, and Toulouse for the 2026 season. However, the expansion isn’t without its skeptics, as questions linger about whether a larger competition will truly benefit the sport’s long-term health. The league’s expansion is a bold move, but one met with cautious optimism.
Wigan’s Hesitation Reflects Broader Concerns
Wigan Warriors notably abstained from the vote regarding the expansion, and coach Matt Peet expressed uncertainty about the move. “I don’t know if it’s a good thing or not,” Peet said. “That’s the fixture list and they’re the games we go into. There’s some excitement around it from our point of view in terms of visiting new stadiums, opposing new clubs, teams and coaches, so it’s a point of difference.” He acknowledged the potential for a more varied schedule but stopped short of endorsing the expansion as inherently positive, stating, “Whether it’s the right thing for the game or not remains to be seen, but I certainly see the understanding behind it. It freshens up the look of the fixture list.”
Financial Realities Loom Large
While the addition of new teams generates buzz, the financial realities of rugby league are a stark reminder of the challenges ahead. Kris Radlinski, a chief executive, pointed to the success story of Hull KR as a positive example, but cautioned against complacency. “It’s a remarkable journey they [Hull KR] have been on, and everyone looks at it as a great success story,” Radlinski said. “The reality, though, is that last season we lost two clubs and that’s the harsh financial background this sport is in.”
Radlinski recounted a sobering experience from last year. “This time last year I was in Las Vegas and I got on the plane full of optimism, then I heard Salford hadn’t been paid, and it brings you back down to earth.” He emphasized the cyclical nature of progress and setbacks within the sport. “We love this sport passionately but it drives us to frustration as well. We make great strides but then we get pulled back down to earth with crushing blows. This year is a challenge as well, we’ve gone to 14 teams. Our club’s position is that we felt we didn’t have enough information on that, and still haven’t received it. So we’ve got a long way to go.”
Despite the challenges, Radlinski remains hopeful. “But Hull KR have shown what’s possible. If we can get more stories like that, we’ll all be happy.”
