New format outside Betfred Super League in 2026

27/08/2025

The RFL Board have today 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 October 16.

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 One 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.