Why Barrow are key to London promotion as next steps explained in process

Super League clubs will vote in the coming days on expanding the competition to 15 teams for 2027. London Broncos have agreed to enter without receiving any central funding distributions, which will cost them around £150,000 in expected Championship distribution. However, the club believes commercial revenue and larger crowds will offset the lost funding. While top-flight clubs can vote on expansion, the Rugby Football League holds the ultimate authority to choose the entering club.

The RFL is expected to rely on IMG gradings to decide the 15th member. Although Barrow Raiders ranked 15th as the highest non-Super League team, they have admitted they are not ready for 2027 due to facility standards. Barrow are expected to step aside, allowing the next-highest ranked London Broncos to formally accept the promotion spot in a rapid process.