A fundamental question is being asked by a growing number of Super League clubs: “Why are we expanding?” This simple but powerful query is at the heart of a late-stage challenge to the league’s 14-team plan, as clubs fail to see the logic in a move that appears to be financially unviable and opposed by their key broadcaster.
The question of “why” is rooted in the current financial climate. The league’s TV deal with Sky Sports has already been significantly reduced, and the broadcaster is not offering more money for an expanded competition. Furthermore, most clubs are already losing money. In this context, clubs are asking the RFL to explain the business logic of adding more teams to a system that is already under immense financial strain.
The logic seems even more flawed given the opposition from Sky Sports. One club source bluntly asked why the league would risk alienating its main broadcaster, a move that could lead to a further reduction in revenue when the contract is renegotiated. With no clear answer from the RFL, the expansion appears to be a solution in search of a problem.
The rushed process has only added to the confusion. The lack of a detailed business plan or financial modelling has made it impossible for clubs to independently verify the logic behind the expansion. They feel they are being asked to take a leap of faith, but without any evidence to suggest a soft landing.
The RFL’s answer has been that the expansion was considered for over a year and voted for overwhelmingly. But for the dissenting clubs, this doesn’t answer the fundamental “why.” They are demanding a pause not just to review the process, but to have a more fundamental debate about the strategic logic of expansion in the current environment. Until that logic is made clear, their opposition is only likely to grow.
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