In 2022, the Rugby Football League's new strategic partner, IMG, set out a series of radical proposals whereby clubs would be graded, with their rank determining which division they would compete in.
The proposals were accepted in 2023 and implemented in 2024. Clubs were given an indicative rating in 2023 so they could see areas for improvement, with nine of the 15 Grade A clubs increasing their score.
A total of 15 points is needed for a Grade A with 7.5 required for Grade B.
Grade A clubs are assured of a place in Super League, with the division then comprised of the highest-ranking Grade B clubs if there aren't enough Grade A clubs.
Grade C clubs are not eligible to compete in Super League.
Grades are determined based on five criteria: Fandom, Performance, Finances, Stadium and Community.
Criteria | Maximum score | % of total |
Fandom | 5 | 25% |
Performance | 5 | 25% |
Finances | 4.5 | 22.5% |
Stadium | 3 | 15% |
Community | 2.5 | 12.5% |
20 | 100% |
IMG gradings for 2026 season
Rank | Club | 2026 points | 2025 points | Change |
Grade A | ||||
1 | Hull Kingston Rovers | 17.85 | 15.97 | 1.88 |
2 | Leeds Rhinos | 17.28 | 16.84 | 0.44 |
3 | St Helens | 16.74 | 17.02 | -0.28 |
4 | Wigan Warriors | 16.37 | 16.91 | -0.54 |
5 | Leigh Leopards | 16.33 | 15.13 | 1.2 |
6 | Warrington Wolves | 16.26 | 16.27 | -0.01 |
7 | Catalans Dragons | 16.11 | 15.52 | 0.59 |
8 | Wakefield Trinity | 15.47 | 15.09 | 0.38 |
9 | Hull F.C. | 15.06 | 14.51 | 0.55 |
Grade B | ||||
10 | Bradford Bulls | 14.81 | 12.15 | 2.66 |
11 | Castleford Tigers | 14.66 | 15.02 | -0.36 |
12 | Huddersfield Giants | 14.65 | 14.48 | 0.17 |
13 | Toulouse Olympique | 13.25 | 13.58 | -0.33 |
14 | York Knights | 13.04 | 12.42 | 0.62 |
15 | Salford Red Devils | 12.65 | 13.97 | -1.32 |
16 | London Broncos | 11.65 | 12.65 | -1 |
17 | Featherstone Rovers | 9.75 | 10.75 | -1 |
18 | Barrow Raiders | 9.62 | 11.22 | -1.6 |
19 | Widnes Vikings | 9.39 | 8.6 | 0.79 |
20 | Sheffield Eagles | 8.47 | 8.77 | -0.3 |
21 | Halifax Panthers | 8.15 | 8.79 | -0.64 |
22 | Doncaster | 7.85 | 7.52 | 0.33 |
23 | Oldham | 7.51 | 7 | 0.51 |
Grade C | ||||
24 | Hunslet | 6.87 | 6.98 | -0.11 |
25 | Dewsbury Rams | 6.74 | 7.13 | -0.39 |
26 | Workington Town | 6.57 | 7.26 | -0.69 |
27 | Swinton Lions | 6.54 | 7.15 | -0.61 |
28 | Rochdale Hornets | 5.52 | 6.47 | -0.95 |
29 | Goole Vikings | 5.46 | - | - |
30 | Midlands Hurricanes | 4.89 | 5.66 | -0.77 |
31 | North Wales Crusaders | 4.88 | 4.72 | 0.16 |
32 | Keighley Cougars | Incomplete | 9.02 | - |
33 | Newcastle Thunder | Incomplete | 5.2 | - |
IMG grading criteria
Fandom
The fandom objective is split into three parts: attendance, viewership and digital.
An average attendance in excess of 7,500 earns a maximum 2.5 points; in excess of 3,000 earns 2.0 points, in excess of 1,500 earns 1.5 points, and attendances below 1,500 earn 0.75 points.
Viewership refers to how often teams are broadcast on TV, with the six highest TV match audience earning one point.
Digital is split into three separate parts: social following, website visits and total engagements.
Performance
Teams' performance is measured on their league finish in the last three seasons. A maximum of four points is on offer to the top-ranked team, with a sliding scale of 0.111 points fewer awarded as you go down the rankings.
Bonus points are also awarded to teams winning competitions that year.
Finance
With the aim of ensuring clubs are financially stable with profitability rewarded, clubs are awarded points for: revenue diversification, profitability and sustainability.
Stadium
With the goal of modernising venues, clubs are awarded points for their stadium based on its capacity, seats, corporate lounges, studio space, media facilities and more.
Community
With the aim of maximising potential audiences, clubs are awarded points for being located in big catchment areas that aren't diluted with a high number of clubs.
