RFL confirm the nine teams who have applied for places in league expansion
The Rugby Football League have confirmed the nine teams that have submitted formal applications to be part of the proposed expansion of the Super League to 14 teams.
The deadline for submissions passed last week and a seven-strong Panel will now will now deliberate over the applications.
In a statement on the RFL website, they confirmed the teams that had applied:
"The nine applications include two from existing Betfred Super League clubs – Huddersfield Giants and Hull FC."
"The other seven are from clubs in the Betfred Championship, as follows (in alphabetical order): Bradford Bulls, Doncaster, London Broncos, Oldham, Toulouse Olympique, Widnes Vikings, York Knights."
The panel is made up of senior members of the RFL's board and will consider applications based on the 'five pillars' of the Club Grading System (Fandom, Performance, Finances, Stadium and Community).
Clubs' financial performance and stabilitiy, and their ability to provide a competitive playing squad for 2026 and beyond is also another key factor.