A new Salford rugby league team has officially been granted Championship status for the 2026 season, just three weeks after the historic Salford Red Devils club was wound up. The decision offers renewed hope for rugby league in the city following one of the most turbulent periods in the club’s long history.

The Rugby Football League (RFL) confirmed that a consortium led by former Salford Red Devils player Mason Caton-Brown has been selected from three “high-quality” proposals to take charge of the new club.

RFL Backs Caton-Brown-Led Consortium

In a statement, the RFL said the successful bid, submitted under the name Salford RLFC Ltd, stood out due to its strong focus on sustainable governance, financial responsibility, and long-term stability.

The governing body added that the proposal demonstrated a clear plan not only to re-establish a professional rugby league presence in Salford, but also to rebuild trust after the collapse of the former club.

Former Salford chief executive Chris Irwin was also part of an alternative consortium, and the RFL expressed hope that unsuccessful bidders could still play a role in the club’s future in a “mutually beneficial way”.

Race Against Time to Prepare for Championship Opener

While Championship membership has now been secured, the new Salford setup faces a tight timeline ahead of their scheduled season opener against Oldham on 16 January.

Speaking earlier this month on BBC Radio Manchester, Caton-Brown said preparations were already underway.

“We’ve already got a few agreements with some players,” he said. “If the bid was successful, we could turn those into concrete deals. I’m confident we can put a full squad out for the first game.”

He also confirmed that a head coach has been lined up, adding that recruitment discussions have been ongoing behind the scenes.

“He’s really enthusiastic and ready to go. He’s been working hard speaking to players already.”

End of the Red Devils, Birth of a Phoenix Club

The original Salford Red Devils were officially wound up on 3 December, bringing an end to a 152-year history. The club endured a disastrous 2025 season, finishing bottom of Super League after a year marked by late wage payments, a mass player exodus, heavy defeats, and ultimately the loss of their top-flight licence for 2026.

Despite the heartbreak of the High Court ruling, hopes quickly grew that a phoenix club could be formed and allowed to enter the second-tier Championship. That ambition has now become reality.

Support From Local Authorities Key to Decision

RFL interim chief executive Abi Ekoku said the governing body’s decision was made with the long-term interests of both the club and the local community in mind.

“The quality of proposals we received reflects the strength of commitment to rugby league in Salford,” Ekoku said.

“Our decision could not have been made without the clarity and support of Salford City Council and the stadium management team, CosCos. The future of the club, the community, and the sport as a whole have been at the heart of this process.”

Analysis: Hard Work Begins for New Salford Project

While Championship status secures Salford’s place on the grid for 2026, significant challenges lie ahead.

The most urgent task is player recruitment. With most Championship and Super League clubs already well advanced in their squad planning, Salford are likely to rely on out-of-contract players, young prospects, and those seeking a second chance, rather than established stars.

Beyond the playing squad, a full coaching setup, along with performance, medical, and off-field staff, must also be appointed at speed.

Financially, if the new club retains the previous organisation’s IMG grading, they could receive one of the higher central distributions in the Championship. However, the majority of funding will still need to come from the new ownership group.

What is certain is that Salford now have an opportunity. When the Championship season kicks off on 16 January, whatever side runs out at Oldham will at least represent a fresh start for rugby league in the city.