IMG Super League gradings: how grades work, when clubs will know, relegation expected

Watch more of our videos on ShotsTV.com 
and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565
Visit Shots! now
Clubs hoping to play in the top-flight next year will learn their fate tomorrow when rugby league’s new gradings are announced.

The system - devised in conjunction with the sport’s strategic partner IMG - means places in the elite Betfred Super League competition will be determined by off-field criteria, as well as teams’ performance, from the 2025 season. The new format is part of a long-term strategy dubbed ‘reimagining rugby league’. Here’s some questions and answers ahead of Wednesday’s announcement.

What’s it all about?

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The RFL say the ultimate objective of grading is to encourage clubs to improve in six areas: grow their fanbase; increase non-centralised revenue; be better-run; boost engagement with fans; invest in their club and the sport in a sustainable manner and ensure strong governance.

Leeds Rhinos endured a disappointing season on the field in 2024, but their strength off it means they are assured of a Super League place. Picture by Jonathan Gawthorpe.Leeds Rhinos endured a disappointing season on the field in 2024, but their strength off it means they are assured of a Super League place. Picture by Jonathan Gawthorpe.
Leeds Rhinos endured a disappointing season on the field in 2024, but their strength off it means they are assured of a Super League place. Picture by Jonathan Gawthorpe.

How many grades are there and what do they mean?

There are three grades. Clubs graded A will be guaranteed a Super League place; B-graded clubs will be eligible to play in the top division when space is available; C-grade clubs will be restricted to the Championship or League One.

How are grades awarded?

Each club will be given a rating out of 20 following detailed analysis of five categories: on-field performance (maximum five points), fandom (five), finances (4.5), stadium (three) and community (2.5). Fifteen marks will secure an A grade and guaranteed place in Betfred Super League next year. Clubs need 7.5 marks to achieve a B grade.

Castleford Tigers are confident improvements off the field will ensure their Super League status for next season. Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com.Castleford Tigers are confident improvements off the field will ensure their Super League status for next season. Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com.
Castleford Tigers are confident improvements off the field will ensure their Super League status for next season. Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com.

How are points in each category calculated?

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Fandom is based on attendance (2.5 marks), viewership (one) and digital (1.5). For performance, each team is ranked from one-36, based on their finish in the league and play-offs for the last three seasons. That accounts for a maximum of four points, with bonuses of 0.75 for winning Super League, 0.25 for Challenge Cup and Championship champions and 0.1 for success in League One and the 1895 Cup.

Read More
IMG gradings out tomorrow: here's how Leeds Rhinos, Hull KR, St Helens & others ...

Finance is broken down into diversification (three), profitability (0.5), sustainability (one). The three stadium points come from facilities (1.5), utilisation (one), primacy of tenure (0.25), LED (0.125), big screen (0.125).

Hunslet secured promotion to the Championship the old fashioned way this year, by winning a play-off decider at Swinton Lions. Picture by Olly Hassell/SWpix.com.Hunslet secured promotion to the Championship the old fashioned way this year, by winning a play-off decider at Swinton Lions. Picture by Olly Hassell/SWpix.com.
Hunslet secured promotion to the Championship the old fashioned way this year, by winning a play-off decider at Swinton Lions. Picture by Olly Hassell/SWpix.com.

In the community category, area population - which is population divided by the number of clubs - is worth one and a half points and one is available based on the annual turnover of each club's charitable foundation.

When will grades be made known?

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Clubs were being informed today, with details made public - via the media - at 10.30am tomorrow.

How many clubs are on course for an A grade?

Indicative gradings were announced a year ago, giving clubs an idea of their strengths and where they needed to improve. Seven were awarded A status, 17 were grade B and 11 grade C. Google Vikings have since been accepted into League One for 2025.

Are any current Super League clubs in relegation danger?

London Broncos, who finished bottom of the competition this year, were ranked 25th in the indicative table. That made them the lowest-rated grade B club and effectively meant they were doomed to the drop, whatever their league form.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Castleford Tigers were 13th on the indicative scores, which would not have been enough to secure a top-flight place. However, they are confident improvements made over the past 12 months will see them remain in Super League.

What happens if more than 12 clubs receive an A grade?

Super League would be expanded. That’s the long-term aim, but it won’t happen this year.

Are gradings permanent, or could they change?

Clubs will be assessed each year, so - potentially - teams won’t be safe if they let standards drop. Equally, ambitious clubs will have an opportunity to attain Super League status in the future.

How does this impact the lower divisions?

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Promotion and relegation will continue between third-tier League One and the Championship. Grade C clubs are eligible to play in the second-tier. Hunslet, for example, are moving up to the Championship after winning the League One play-offs and a promotion/relegation shootout against Swinton Lions.

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.