The Rugby Football League has confirmed Salford will compete in the 2026 Championship with new ownership now approved.
A statement from the sport’s governing body has shared a statement to announce that Salford will compete next year despite the club’s previous iteration of the Red Devils going into administration.
Three consortiums sought ownership of a new Salford club and it’s the one led by former Red Devils player Mason Caton-Brown that has been successful, with the RFL confirming him to be the leading director of the new club.
Malcolm Crompton and Paul Hancock are the other directors alongside Caton-Brown with that trio now having just over three weeks to form a squad ready for Salford to take part in the 2026 rugby league season.
A statement from the RFL read: “The Rugby Football League can confirm that Salford RLFC Ltd has been granted RFL Membership approval for a new Salford based team and entry into the 2026 Betfred Championship competition.”
Rugby Football League approves new Salford club
The RFL’s statement continued as it explained the fact that three “high-quality” proposals had been put forward but the successful submission came from Salford RLFC Ltd, Mason Caton-Brown’s group.
The RFL’s statement read: “The approval follows a thorough assessment process in which the RFL received three high-quality and extremely well-considered proposals, all focused on ensuring the preservation, continuity and future growth of professional Rugby League in the City of Salford.
“The successful submission from Salford RLFC Ltd demonstrated a clear commitment to sustainable governance, financial responsibility and long-term stability, aligned with the RFL’s strategic objectives for the professional game.
“The RFL would also like to formally place on record its appreciation for the exceptional level of engagement and support shown by the Mayor of Salford, Paul Dennett, and the Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham. Their personal commitment to ensuring the survival of professional Rugby League in Salford, and their constructive support throughout the RFL’s processes, has been outstanding. The RFL looks forward to continuing this work as it seeks to expand the community and commercial footprint of Rugby League across Greater Manchester.”
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Anonymous
December 22, 2025 at 11:02 am
Congratulations to the new Salford RL and although endorsements from the RFL is a legal requirement it is no guarantee of success and Salford RL must not rely on that most incompetent sports organisation in the sporting world.