Super League approves 15-team expansion for 2027

Super League clubs have approved an expansion from 14 teams to 15 for the 2027 season, but the Rugby Football League must still set the criteria and choose which club will join.

The league said its shareholders had passed the decision to the RFL board, which will establish a panel to assess applicants and make a recommendation. No timetable or selection criteria have yet been announced.

The expansion could give London Broncos a route back into the top flight. They won the 2026 Championship Grand Final and 1895 Cup, but finished 16th in the end-of-season grading list, below fellow Championship side Barrow Raiders. London were overlooked when the league expanded to 14 clubs for 2026, with Bradford Bulls, York Knights and Toulouse Olympique joining.

The 15-team format would be a first for Super League. The competition expanded from 12 to 14 clubs for 2026; it also had 14 teams in 2000 and from 2009 to 2014.

Super League has yet to finalise its 2027 fixtures, broadcast negotiations or a new title sponsorship deal. BBC Sport reports that any completed investment agreement with Australia’s National Rugby League is understood to require London Broncos to be in the top flight.