Bradford Bulls have been promoted to the Super League for 2026, replacing Salford Red Devils after being awarded the highest Grade B status under Rugby League’s new grading system. This marks the return of the Bulls to the top flight after an 11-year absence following financial difficulties and a stint in League One in 2018.
The promotion is part of the Reimagining Rugby League initiative, conducted by media giant IMG under Rugby League Commercial, which assesses clubs on both on-field performance and off-field operations including finances, stadium quality, community engagement, and fan support.
Bradford’s Journey Back to Super League
Iconic head coach Brian Noble returned to Bradford during 2025, guiding the team to third place in the Championship. Despite being knocked out at the semi-final stage of the play-offs by eventual winners Toulouse, the Bulls’ overall performance and grading elevated them from 16th in 2024 to 10th in 2025, surpassing Super League sides Castleford Tigers and Huddersfield Giants.
The promotion restores Bradford to the top tier, where they were a dominant force during the 2000s, thrilling fans with their attacking style and community presence.
Salford Red Devils’ Struggles
In contrast, Salford Red Devils were awarded a lower B grading, placing them 15th in the rankings. Plagued by financial issues and a mass player exodus, Salford finished bottom of the Super League in 2025, conceding 1,129 points in 27 games, largely fielding youth-team players.
Their failure to achieve sufficient grading points casts uncertainty over their short-term future, and if they continue, they will play outside the Super League for the first time since 2008.
Super League Expansion and Club Gradings
Earlier this year, the 12 existing Super League clubs voted to expand the league to 14 teams for the 2026 season, the first expansion since 2014. Decisions on which Championship teams will join the top flight are overseen by a panel including Lord Jonathan Caine, Abi Ekoku, Dermot Power, RFL chief executive Tony Sutton, and others.
The panel evaluates clubs based on:
- Financial performance in 2025 and projected sustainability through 2026–28
- Ability to field a competitive team
- On- and off-field performance, including fan engagement, stadium, and community initiatives
Hull KR lead the 2025 rankings with a record score of 17.85/20, topping Grade A clubs after winning the Challenge Cup, League Leaders’ Shield, and Super League Grand Final. Other Grade A clubs include Leeds, St Helens, Wigan, Leigh, Warrington, Catalans, Wakefield, and Hull FC.
Bradford’s promotion, along with Toulouse and York, ensures three second-tier teams will feature in the expanded Super League next season.
Grading System Explained
Clubs are awarded points across five categories with a maximum of 20 points:
- Fandom (5 pts): Attendance, memberships, and digital engagement
- Performance (5 pts): League positions over three seasons, including bonus points for wins
- Finances (4.5 pts): Income, stability, revenue diversity, and business performance
- Stadium (3 pts): Facility quality, capacity, utilisation, and match-day experience
- Community (2.5 pts): Foundation success and local support
To achieve Grade A, clubs must score 15+ points; Grade B is awarded for 7.5+ points, while lower scores fall into Grade C.
Key Takeaways
- Bradford Bulls promoted to Super League 2026, replacing Salford Red Devils.
- Bulls return after 11 years in lower leagues and financial recovery.
- Promotion confirmed under the Rugby League Commercial grading system.
- Salford’s financial and performance struggles see them relegated outside the top flight.
- Super League expands to 14 teams, with Championship sides Toulouse and York also joining.
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