A civil war is brewing within Super League, as the decision to expand to 14 teams has ignited a fierce dispute between the Rugby Football League (RFL) and a powerful contingent of its member clubs. The conflict, which threatens to halt the expansion entirely, centres on accusations of a flawed, rushed process and grave concerns about the league’s long-term financial health.
Though the expansion was voted through in July, a significant number of clubs are now understood to have serious reservations, transforming what was meant to be a unified step forward into a deeply divisive issue. These clubs are pushing back hard, demanding a delay until 2027. They argue that the RFL has failed to conduct its due diligence by not sharing a detailed business plan or financial projections for how a 14-team league would be sustained.
The financial anxieties are not abstract; they are tied directly to the league’s relationship with its broadcaster, Sky Sports. With Sky reportedly unwilling to fund the expansion and its contract up for renewal next season, clubs fear they are walking into a financial trap. A reduced broadcast deal, split between more clubs, could be a death knell for the full-time professional model at some institutions, a risk the dissenting clubs are not willing to take lightly.
The RFL’s handling of the process is at the core of the clubs’ anger. The lack of provided documents at the key vote, the failure to distribute minutes, and the incredibly short timeline for vetting new applicants have all contributed to a breakdown in trust. One source described the process as not “robust enough,” a damning critique of the governing body’s approach to one of the most significant decisions in the league’s recent history.
The RFL’s public stance is that the clubs approved the plan based on a clear rationale. However, the current reality of emergency meetings and intense back-channel lobbying tells a different story. The league is now at a crossroads, with its leadership’s vision clashing directly with the survival instincts of its member clubs, creating a power struggle that will shape the future of the sport.
Super League’s Civil War: Expansion Vote Ignites Fierce Internal Dispute
