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IMG reveal stance on 14-team Super League as expansion discussed

Super League IMG

The 2025 season will be the first year in which the full IMG gradings come into force. As such, the competition which a club plays in will not be solely determined on the field. Under the new rules, London Broncos are expected to be relegated to the Championship. Wakefield Trinity are expected to win promotion to Super League to take their place. 

When the new plans for the grading of clubs were announced, one of the main topics of discussion was around whether Super League would return to a 14-side competition. The initial decision was that it would only do so when there were sufficient A-Grade sides to fill the a 14 team competition. However, there have been persistent rumours since that a proposal was being considered to expand Super League.

Decision reached on expansion

However, speaking to an RFL media briefing earlier today, RFL Chief Executive, Tony Sutton, has moved to quash these rumours. When asked whether there was a possibility that the top tier would expand to 14 teams for 2025, Sutton was categorical in his response.

“No for next year we’re committed to 12 clubs in Super League.

“The position from IMG previously which we’re consistent with is there is a future aspiration to potentially grow the Super League as and when conditions allow or permit.

“Or as and when there are more than 12 A-grade clubs.”

Small financial gap between Super League and Championship

However, according to Sutton, the financial drop off for those at the bottom end of the Super League, and the top end of the Championship, will remain relatively small in 2025. This will help to mitigate the losses of those clubs who fail to achieve the required IMG grading. Although this statement comes with the caveat that the 2025 budget has not yet been completed.

“Not much different to how it is this year as things stand,” Sutton said.

“If we say all budgets remain the same, effectively, and revenues are consistent, that would still be a relatively similar gap to what there is between the bottom of the Super League and the top of the Championship this year.” Sutton said.

“We have [been] and are exploring whether or not there are different financial models, and have shared some of those early options with clubs.

“One of the considerations of that is whether or not there’s a lessening of that difference between the top two divisions.”

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