Super League approves 15-team expansion for 2027 as RFL prepares selection process

Super League shareholders have agreed to expand the competition from 14 clubs to 15 for the 2027 season, BBC Sport reported. The decision would give the rugby league top flight a 15-team field for the first time, although the announcement did not name the club that would take the additional place.

In a statement carried by the BBC, Super League said its decision had been passed to the Rugby Football League board. The board will establish selection criteria and appoint a panel to assess clubs against them before making a recommendation. The statement gave no date for that recommendation, leaving the identity of the extra participant unresolved.

The move follows another expansion ahead of the 2026 season, when the league grew from 12 teams to 14. Bradford Bulls, York Knights and Toulouse Olympique entered the competition, while Salford Red Devils dropped out following financial difficulties during their 2025 campaign. The newly approved increase would therefore follow immediately after that change in membership.

London Broncos are among the clubs whose position comes into focus, according to BBC Sport. They won both the 2026 Championship Grand Final and the 1895 Cup, but their results did not secure a place in the top flight. London finished 16th in the annual grading standings, behind fellow Championship club Barrow Raiders.

The Broncos have the backing of Australian businessman Grant Wechsel and former Brisbane Broncos player Darren Lockyer. They were also passed over a year ago when Bradford, York and Toulouse were selected for the enlarged 2026 competition. The latest decision creates another possible opening, but does not itself confirm a return for London.

A 15-club league would break with the competition's previous formats. Super League has generally operated with 12 teams, with periods at 14 in 2000, between 2009 and 2014, and in the 2026 season. It has not previously staged a season with the number now approved by shareholders.

Other preparations for 2027 remain unfinished. BBC Sport reported that Super League had yet to secure a new title sponsorship agreement, conclude broadcast negotiations or finalise its fixtures. Those matters remain alongside the RFL's process for determining which club should fill the newly approved place.