Bradford Bulls have been promoted to Super League for 2026 and will replace Salford Red Devils after they were awarded the highest Grade B status under the sport’s grading system.
It means the Bulls, a dominant force during the 2000s, will return to the top flight after an 11-year absence filled with financial troubles and a stint in the third-tier League One in 2018.
Iconic head coach Brian Noble returned to the club during 2025 and steered them to third in the Championship but they were knocked out in the play-offs at the semi-final stage by eventual Grand Final winners Toulouse.
Their grading moves them up from 16th in 2024 to 10th in 2025, surpassing the scores of existing Super League sides Castleford Tigers and Huddersfield Giants, who came 11th and 12th respectively.
Gradings are conducted by media giant IMG under Rugby League Commercial’s ‘Reimagining Rugby League’ initiative, which assesses clubs based on performance, on and off the field.
Salford, who have been plagued with financial issues before and after a takeover earlier this year, received a lower B grading putting them 15th in the rankings, having finished bottom of Super League during a tumultuous season with the late payment of wages and a mass player exodus.
An announcement on which two other Championship teams will join an expanded 14-team Super League will be made on Friday at 10:00 BST and, with Bradford’s status confirmed, it means that three second-tier sides will play in the top flight next term.
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