Despite entering ‘compulsory liquidation’, Halifax Panthers are still holding out hope of returning to compete in the 2026 Championship season.
The West Yorkshire club confirmed news of their financial status last Monday (February 9th) as they were wound up by the High Court and placed into ‘compulsory liquidation’.
Since then, the club have made a public appeal for backers whilst the RFL have revoked the Panthers’ membership, something that saw Sunday’s proposed game against Sheffield Eagles postponed.
It’s important to note that the game was postponed and not cancelled as it signifies a possible route back for the Panthers, with Halifax still holding out hope that they can return to feature in the 2026 season.
That’s been confirmed by the Panthers’ chief executive Damian Clayton, who provided an update on the status of the club to the Halifax Courier, revealing that he still holds out hope that ‘something positive can be achieved’.
What next for Halifax Panthers?
One such avenue that could prove successful in getting Halifax back on the field this year is their public bid for backers, with a number of interested consortia reportedly previously.
Clayton didn’t go into details but did confirm to the Courier: “A public request for expressions of interest has been issued by the club and there has been encouraging engagement with the chairman.
“There is hope that something positive can be achieved, and all available options are being explored to enable the club to play again this season.”
He also pointed to last Sunday’s postponement against Sheffield, as opposed to a cancellation, as one aspect of what he described as ‘positive support from the RFL’, claiming it helps allow ‘time for the current position to be clarified’.
Clayton added: “There is nothing definite at this stage and there are many moving parts, but work continues to explore possible pathways forward.”
He concluded with a rallying cry: “Halifax Panthers has shown resilience across its history, and every effort is being made to find a way forward now.”
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