New format outside Betfred Super League in 2026

The RFL Board have confirmed that the Betfred Championship and League One competitions will be combined in a single division outside the Betfred Super League in 2026.

This follows the decision to expand Super League from 12 clubs to 14, subject to conditions – which was taken by the existing Super League clubs last month. 

A number of fixture formats are being developed following consultation with the Championship and League One clubs, but there will be no final announcement until after the number and identity of clubs in each of the two expanded competitions is confirmed, on Thursday 16 October. 

However, the reversion to a single division outside Super League means the Middle Eights, that had been scheduled for the end of the 2025 season as a means of determining promotion and relegation between Championship and League One, will no longer take place. 

The Betfred League 1 champions will receive £25,000, a trophy and medals, as promised at the start of the season. 

North Wales Crusaders are currently top of the table, and could clinch the title if they beat Keighley Cougars in Colwyn Bay this Sunday. 

The Betfred Championship play-offs will still take place, with the winners of the Betfred Championship Grand Final receiving £100,000 and 0.25 club grading points. 

There are three rounds of the regular season remaining, with York Knights currently four points clear at the top of the table – although Bradford Bulls and Toulouse Olympique, who are currently joint second, each have a match in hand and face each other at Bartercard Odsal Stadium this Saturday. 

Nigel Wood OBE, who has chaired the Strategic Review, said: “Following the decision of the Betfred Super League clubs that the elite competition should expand to 14 clubs in 2026, subject to conditions, this is a logical and equally exciting next step. 

“The Championship and League One clubs have been extensively consulted and were virtually unanimous that the two divisional structure for the part-time game wasn’t working as well as it ought, particularly League One - and it is a great credit to the Championship clubs that they recognised that position.

“There are so many historic and ambitious clubs outside the Super League, and we believe this will not only enhance their attendances and finances, but also make them more attractive for investment. 

“It will provide an attractive and compelling fixture list for all clubs outside the Betfred Super League – and mean they all kick off the 2026 season with the opportunity to win the Betfred Championship, which will remain a key step towards earning promotion to the Super League.”