Bradford make shock return to Super League as Salford drop out

Bradford Bulls’ jump into Super League for 2026 after a major grading boost should shift betting markets: expect shorter odds on Bradford to secure a mid-table finish and longer odds for Salford to bounce back. Punters will also watch panel decisions for the two remaining spots — markets on Toulouse, York and London Broncos to be promoted may see volatility ahead of Friday’s announcement.

Bradford Bulls secure Super League place for 2026

Bradford Bulls have moved into the top 12 and will be back in the Super League from 2026 after finishing 10th in the gradings with a score of 14.81. The rise from a Grade B score of 12.15 last year to 14.81 has catapulted the club into an automatic Super League spot for the first time since their liquidation and relegation in 2016.

Automatic spots and the panel decision for the last two places

The grading outcomes have locked in the top 12 clubs for the expanded 14-team Super League that begins in 2026. With nine Grade A clubs and three Grade B clubs filling the automatic places, an independent panel will now select the remaining two teams. Championship Grand Final winners and top finishers in the second tier remain in contention, but Bradford’s inclusion means one of Toulouse, York or London could miss out via the panel decision.

Salford Red Devils: financial turmoil costs top-flight status

Salford Red Devils have fallen from 12th to 15th in the gradings, dropping to a Grade B score of 12.65 after a 0.25-point deduction tied to an operational breach and a previous deduction of two competition points. Their finance score covers the 2022–24 seasons and does not include 2025 figures. Salford did not apply to be considered for the two extra places in 2026, confirming they will not be in the Super League next season.

How Bradford engineered their grading surge

Bradford’s improved score reflects a mix of on-field performance and off-field investment. Key contributors included stronger match results, live streaming of fixtures, upgrades at the ground such as new screens and LED advertising, enhanced corporate and spectator facilities, and better financial metrics. Governance changes and investor activity also played a role in stabilising the club’s standing and meeting grading criteria.

Grading system: the five pillars that decide Super League places

The grading system awards up to 20 points across five pillars to assess clubs for top-tier inclusion.

1. Fandom (25% — 5 points)

Attendance, viewership and digital metrics (social, web traffic, engagement) combine to determine up to five points for fan reach and engagement.

2. Performance (25% — 5 points)

On-field results over the most recent three seasons for clubs in the top three men’s leagues are ranked, with the best-performing clubs earning top marks.

3. Finance (22.5% — 4.5 points)

Revenue diversification, profitability and sustainability are scored to measure long-term financial health.

4. Stadium (15% — 3 points)

Facility standards, capacity benchmarks (minimum 5,000 capacity and 2,000 seats), utilisation rates and assets such as big screens and LED boards determine stadium points.

5. Community (12.5% — 2.5 points)

Local representation and the club’s community engagement—measured in part by charitable foundation activity and regional footprint—round out the grading.

To be Grade A a club needs at least 15 points; Grade B starts at 7.5 points.

What this means for clubs chasing promotion and for punters

With Bradford now automatic, the spotlight turns to which two clubs the independent panel will pick. That uncertainty affects futures and promotion markets: odds on Toulouse, York and London to join the Super League could shift depending on perceived panel preferences, recent investment and on-field credentials. Short-term markets—season finishing positions and relegation/promoted club specials—will also react to these grading outcomes.

Full gradings snapshot

Grade A (top nine)

Hull KR (17.85), Leeds Rhinos (17.28), St Helens (16.74), Wigan Warriors (16.37), Leigh Leopards (16.33), Warrington Wolves (16.26), Catalans Dragons (16.11), Wakefield Trinity (15.47), Hull FC (15.06).

Grade B (automatic top-12 places)

Bradford Bulls (14.81), Castleford Tigers (14.66), Huddersfield Giants (14.65), Toulouse Olympique (13.25), York RLFC (13.04), Salford Red Devils (12.65*), London Broncos (11.65), Featherstone Rovers (9.75*), Barrow Raiders (9.62), Widnes Vikings (9.39), Sheffield Eagles (8.47), Batley Bulldogs (8.16), Halifax Panthers (8.15*), Doncaster RLFC (7.85), Oldham (7.51).

Grade C and below

Hunslet RLFC (6.87), Dewsbury Rams (6.74), Workington Town (6.57), Swinton Lions (6.54), Whitehaven RLFC (6.23), Rochdale Hornets (5.52), Goole Vikings (5.46), Midlands Hurricanes (4.89), North Wales Crusaders (4.88). No score: Keighley Cougars, Newcastle Thunder.

Conclusion

Bradford’s grading surge reshapes the promotion picture ahead of Super League’s expansion, removes Salford from automatic contention and injects volatility into betting markets as bettors and bookmakers recalibrate odds for promotion, league positions and outright outcomes for 2026.

Bradford Bulls will be back in Super League from 2026 after finishing 10th in the gradings system, with Salford Red Devils now out of the top flight.

Sky Sports