For me, it's the right number, though it may dilute the competition.

Butcher:

Wigan and the Hull clubs voted against expanding.


I’ve no issue with expanding to 14 teams - it’ll even out the fixture list, provide more variety as a fan, more opportunities for clubs to make money, and give the RFL more leverage/potential UK subscribers when they come to negotiate a new TV deal next year.



However, the method (first 12 teams by IMG and another two by an ‘independent’ panel) is a joke. If more people cared it’d be considered corruption.  Wood worms his way back in and I bet you anything Bradford are back in Super League next year despite being ranked 15th or 16th most commercially viable by a genuinely independent body in IMG, because a bloke he’s done a solid for says so. 



Expect it to look something like this next year:


St Helens
Wigan
Leeds
Warrington 
Hull KR
Catalans
Hull FC
Wakefield
Leigh
Castleford
Toulouse
Huddersfield
Bradford
London or York

Butcher:

Wigan and the Hull clubs voted against expanding.


I’ve no issue with expanding to 14 teams - it’ll even out the fixture list, provide more variety as a fan, more opportunities for clubs to make money, and give the RFL more leverage/potential UK subscribers when they come to negotiate a new TV deal next year.



However, the method (first 12 teams by IMG and another two by an ‘independent’ panel) is a joke. If more people cared it’d be considered corruption.  Wood worms his way back in and I bet you anything Bradford are back in Super League next year despite being ranked 15th or 16th most commercially viable by a genuinely independent body in IMG, because a bloke he’s done a solid for says so. 



Expect it to look something like this next year:


St Helens
Wigan
Leeds
Warrington 
Hull KR
Catalans
Hull FC
Wakefield
Leigh
Castleford
Toulouse
Huddersfield
Bradford
London or York

That's precisely why most of the clubs have voted to expand - to make up the perceived financial shortfall because of Toulouse. I can see the logic in that, not just on gameday, but also because French supporters can't subscribe to Sky (though they could subscribe to Amazon/Dazn et al). I imagine that's why Ellis voted for it, advised by other leaders at the club.


Salford won't make the 12, and the independent panel will deny their application. York, Bradford, Oldham, London and potentially some no-hopers will apply, potentially on the proviso they'll fund themselves for 2026 and not take any of the TV money. Then as of 2027, when a new deal's in place, they'll take their share of the pot.


I've been following everything coming out of London, and I can't see them being ready for 2026. But they're seen as a big draw for broadcasters because of their potential subscription market. RL fans know that's a bit of a fantasy, but I suppose it doesn't matter to the negotiators.


On a personal note, I'm not fussed about Oldham. Boring brand, limited scope for growth, tiny crowds, big stadium, built on sand. I'd be happy with York for a number of reasons - great stadium, good brand, interesting team, financially sound. Bradford I don't want up purely on principle now, but it's playing out in slow motion.