Imagine a world where rugby league success isn't just about winning on the field, but also about how many fans you have and how good your stadium is. Sound strange? Well, that's the reality now with IMG gradings, a system that's completely reshaped how clubs are ranked and who gets to play in the top flight. Let's break down how this game-changing system works.
In the world of Rugby League, teams competing in Super League, the Championship, and League 1 are now subject to a points-based grading system. This system, designed to rank clubs, plays a significant role in determining which league they will participate in. Think of it as a report card, but instead of grades, clubs get points that influence their future.
Back in 2023, a significant majority of clubs voted to adopt a proposal developed by the media giant IMG in collaboration with Rugby League Commercial. This proposal centers around ranking clubs based on a specific set of criteria. The core idea is to create a more sustainable and commercially viable sport. But here's where it gets controversial... some traditionalists argue that on-field performance should be the only factor. What do you think? Should off-field factors play such a large role?
The system ranks clubs from 1 to 34, with the top 12 earning a coveted spot in Super League, the highest level of competition. This creates intense competition not just on the field, but also off it, as clubs scramble to improve their scores. But the Super League is expanding from 12 to 14 teams soon! This expansion involves combining the current club grading system with input from an independent panel. It's a blend of data-driven analysis and expert judgment, aiming to ensure the best possible lineup for the future.
For example, Bradford Bulls were promoted to Super League for 2026 after achieving an IMG score of 14.81, effectively replacing Salford Red Devils. This demonstrates the real-world impact of the grading system – it can directly affect a team's promotion or relegation. This also created a lot of controversy, with some fans claiming Salford was unfairly penalized.
There are also plans to merge the Championship and League 1 into a single league. However, the specific structure of this new league won't be announced until after the Super League lineup for 2026 is confirmed on Friday, October 16th. It's a waiting game to see how the lower leagues will be reshaped. And this is the part most people miss... the changes at the top directly impact everyone else.
So, how are these grades actually calculated? All clubs in Super League, the Championship, and League 1 are assessed against a set of criteria, with a maximum of 20 points available. Let's break down each category:
- Fandom (5 points): This considers attendance at games (2.5 points), viewership of games (1 point), and digital engagement with fans (1.5 points). Digital engagement is further divided into social media following (0.2 points), website visits (0.8 points), and overall engagement (0.5 points).
- Performance (5 points): Teams are ranked from 1 to 35 based on their league position over the past three seasons and their performance in cup competitions. Winning Super League earns 0.75 points, the Challenge Cup 0.25 points, the Championship 0.25 points, League One 0.1 points, and the 1895 Cup 0.1 points.
- Finances (4.5 points): This assesses a club's income, financial stability, diversity of revenue streams, and overall business performance.
- Stadium (3 points): The quality and capacity of the stadium are key (1.5 points). Owning the stadium earns an additional 0.25 points. Match-day experience factors in LED advertising boards (0.125 points) and a big screen (0.125 points). Utilization of the stadium accounts for the remaining 1 point.
- Community (2.5 points): This evaluates the success of the club's charitable foundation (1 point) and the level of competition for supporters in the local area (1.5 points are awarded for a catchment area of over 260,000 people).
To achieve a Grade A ranking, clubs need to score 15 points or higher. A Grade B requires a score of 7.5 or higher. The rankings directly determine access to central funding and Super League participation.
Wigan Warriors, St Helens, Leeds Rhinos, Warrington Wolves, Catalans Dragons, Hull KR, Leigh Leopards, Wakefield Trinity and Hull FC were awarded Grade A in 2025. Treble winners Hull KR topped the charts with an impressive IMG score of 17.85, followed by Leeds and St Helens.
Super League sides Castleford Tigers, Huddersfield Giants, and Salford all achieved Grade B status, with Salford receiving the lowest IMG grading among top-flight teams. Bradford achieved the highest grade among Championship clubs. League One sides Keighley Cougars and Newcastle Thunder received no grading for 2025 due to incomplete data submissions.
Nine clubs submitted applications to join the expanded Super League, including Bradford Bulls, Doncaster, London Broncos, Oldham, Toulouse, Widnes Vikings, and York Knights. The competition for those coveted spots is fierce.
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So, what do you think about the IMG grading system? Is it a fair and effective way to determine league status, or does it place too much emphasis on off-field factors? Should a team's history and tradition be considered more heavily? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
