Dive into the thrilling world of rugby league, where the fate of your favorite clubs hangs on a points-based grading system that could rocket them to glory or leave them scrambling. Ever felt frustrated watching a beloved team stuck in the lower leagues, wondering why they can't break through? Well, buckle up, because the IMG grading system is the secret sauce behind promotions, relegations, and the entire league structure—and it's sparking heated debates among fans and experts alike.
Let's break this down step by step, so even if you're new to the game, you'll get it. Rugby league clubs in the Super League, Championship, and League 1 are evaluated and ranked on a scale from 1 to 34 using points. The top 12 scorers traditionally secure spots in the elite Super League, the pinnacle of the sport where the biggest rivalries and highest stakes unfold. But here's where it gets controversial: This system isn't just about on-field heroics—it's a blend of fandom, finances, and facilities that some argue favors wealthier clubs over underdogs, potentially stifling grassroots passion. What do you think? Is this fair, or does it widen the gap between haves and have-nots?
Introduced in 2023 after most clubs backed the idea in a vote, this grading comes from a collaboration between media powerhouse IMG and Rugby League Commercial. It's designed to create a merit-based ladder, but critics say it might prioritize corporate appeal over pure sporting merit. Take Bradford Bulls, for example—they clinched promotion to the Super League for 2026 with a score of 14.81, ousting the Salford Red Devils. Imagine the excitement (or outrage) in the stands as fans debate whether this reflects true talent or just savvy marketing!
And this is the part most people miss: With Super League expanding from 12 to 14 teams next season, they'll mix the current grading with an independent panel to decide who's in. Plus, there's talk of folding the Championship and League 1 into a single unified league, though fixture details won't drop until after the 2026 Super League lineup is set on October 16. It's like rearranging the deck chairs on a ship mid-voyage—exciting for growth, but could it dilute the prestige of the top tier?
Every club in these divisions gets graded out of a maximum 20 points across five key categories. Let's unpack them with some real-world clarity, using examples to make it relatable, like how a club's fan base might compare to a popular band's following:
Fandom (up to 5 points): This gauges how engaged supporters are. Attendance at matches earns up to 2.5 points, viewership (like TV broadcasts) gets 1 point, and digital buzz racks up 1.5 points split between social media followers (0.2 points), website traffic (0.8 points), and overall engagement (0.5 points). Think of it as measuring the 'buzz'—a club with viral social posts and packed stadiums scores big, much like how a blockbuster movie builds hype through online chatter.
Performance (up to 5 points): Clubs are ranked 1-35 based on their league standings over three seasons, plus cup successes. Winning the Super League grabs 0.75 points, the Challenge Cup nets 0.25, the Championship another 0.25, League One 0.1, and the 1895 Cup 0.1. It's straightforward: Consistent winners shine, but even cup underdogs can chip in points, reminding us that glory comes in many forms.
Finances (up to 4.5 points): This looks at income, stability, revenue variety, and overall business health. Clubs with diverse income streams—like sponsorships beyond just ticket sales—are rewarded, similar to how a business might diversify to weather economic storms.
Stadium (up to 3 points): Quality and size of the venue score 1.5 points, owning the ground adds 0.25, match-day perks like LED boards and big screens each earn 0.125, and utilization (how often it's used) nets 1 point. A modern, fan-friendly arena can be a game-changer, turning a bland outing into a spectacle.
Community (up to 2.5 points): Charitable foundations earn 1 point, while a large local supporter base (over 260,000 people) gets 1.5. This emphasizes giving back, like how a team might inspire youth programs, fostering loyalty beyond the pitch.
To snag a grade A, clubs need 15 or more points; 7.5 to 14.9 lands a B. In 2025, heavyweights like Wigan Warriors, St Helens, Leeds Rhinos, Warrington Wolves, Catalans Dragons, Hull KR, Leigh Leopards, Wakefield Trinity, and Hull FC earned A grades. Hull KR, with their treble-winning season, topped the charts at 17.85, edging out Leeds and Saints. Super League clubs Castleford Tigers, Huddersfield Giants, and Salford got B grades—Salford had the lowest in the top flight. Bradford led the Championship pack, while League One's Keighley Cougars and Newcastle Thunder missed out altogether due to incomplete submissions.
Nine clubs, including Bradford Bulls, Doncaster, London Broncos, Oldham, Toulouse, Widnes Vikings, and York Knights, applied for the expanded Super League. It's a bold move for growth, but here's the twist: Will this influx of new teams dilute the competition, or inject fresh energy into a sport that's fiercely regional?
This piece comes from BBC Sport's Ask Me Anything series, where we tackle your burning questions about sports. We aim to enlighten and entertain, drawing on experts and behind-the-scenes insights across our website, app, social media, YouTube, TV, and radio. Got more queries? Drop them our way!
So, what's your take on IMG gradings? Do they reward the right clubs, or is there a better way to structure rugby league? Share your thoughts in the comments—agree, disagree, or propose your own twist. Let's keep the conversation going!
