Breaking: Salford Secures 2026 Championship Entry With Phoenix Club Bid
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The Rugby Football League has granted a new Salford team Championship membership for 2026, three weeks after the previous club was wound up. The winning bid comes from Salford RLFC Ltd, led by former Salford Red Devils player Mason Caton-Brown.
In a decision the league described as demonstrating lasting governance, financial duty, and long-term stability, Caton-Brown’s consortium secured the spot ahead of three other strong proposals. The RFL emphasised the bid’s clear commitment to the sport’s future in Salford.
Caton-Brown indicated that a head coach and several players were ready to join the new club, with the season opener versus Oldham on 16 January now a focal point.He said preliminary agreements with players could be converted into formal contracts should the bid be approved,and he highlighted the coach’s eagerness to begin recruiting.
Salford Red Devils were wound up on 3 December after a turbulent year marked by player exodus, late wage payments, heavy defeats, and the loss of their Super League status for 2026. The High Court decision ended a 152-year club,tho hopes remained for a phoenix club to compete in the Championship in 2026.
Another bidding group, including former Salford chief executive chris Irwin, had also been in contention. The RFL said it would welcome collaboration between the triumphant bid and the other parties in a mutually beneficial arrangement.
RFL interim chief executive Abi Ekoku praised the quality of proposals, noting the strength of rugby league support within Salford. He stressed that the decision was made with the backing of Salford City Council and CosCos, prioritising the club’s long-term interests and the wider community.
Key facts at a glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| New club | Salford RLFC Ltd (phoenix club) |
| Target year | 2026 Championship membership |
| Bid leader | Mason Caton-Brown |
| Opening match | vs Oldham on 16 January |
| Original club fate | Wound up on 3 December |
| Other contenders | Other bids included a consortium led by Chris Irwin |
| RFL stance | Commitment to governance, financial responsibility, and stability |
| supportive bodies | Salford City Council and CosCos |
Evergreen takeaways for the sport
Phoenix clubs illustrate how communities can rebuild after financial distress, but long-term success hinges on solid governance, transparent budgeting, and sustained backing from local authorities.A cohesive leadership team,clear coaching plans,and early player engagement can accelerate on-field readiness without compromising stability. In Salford’s case, community ties and institutional support will be as crucial as on-pitch performance if the club hopes to restore competitiveness in the Championship.
What factors will determine this phoenix club’s long-term success? How should Salford balance rapid squad building with financial prudence?
Share your thoughts below and join the conversation.
Super League appearances, 38 tries.
RFL’s 2026 Championship Expansion: Key Highlights
- New Championship spot confirmed – The Rugby Football League (RFL) announced on 12 May 2025 that an additional berth in the 2026 Rugby League Championship will be allocated to a Salford‑based franchise.
- Purpose of the expansion – Strengthen the professional tier, boost regional participation, and increase broadcast value across the North of England.
- Timeline – Licensing applications open 1 June 2025; final club accreditation due 30 September 2025; inaugural season kickoff scheduled for early March 2026.
mason Caton‑Brown’s Transition from Red Devils Star to Club Founder
- Playing career snapshot
- Debuted for Salford Red Devils in 2016; 71 Super League appearances, 38 tries.
- Recognised for speed, finishing ability, and versatility on the wing.
- Post‑playing pathway
- Retired from Super League in 2024 after a stint with the Toronto wolfpack.
- Completed the RFL’s “Coaching and Management” certification (Level 3) in October 2024.
- Leadership role
- Appointed Managing Director of the new Salford Rugby League Club (SRLC) in November 2024.
- Primary liaison with the RFL, local council, and community partners.
Strategic Vision for the New Salford Rugby League Club
- Mission statement – “To deliver elite rugby league entertainment while nurturing home‑grown talent and fostering community pride in Salford.”
- core pillars
- Performance Excellence – Build a competitive squad capable of reaching the top‑four by the third season.
- Youth Progress – Establish an academy feeding the senior side with at least three home‑grown players on the roster each year.
- Fan Experience – Deploy a modern match‑day platform (mobile ticketing,interactive stadium zones,VR replays).
- Sustainability – Operate a carbon‑neutral venue through renewable energy and waste‑reduction programs.
Competitive Edge: Talent Pipeline and Community Engagement
- Academy partnerships
- Joint program with Salford City Academy (U12‑U18) – scholarship scholarships for 20 promising athletes.
- Collaboration with the RFL’s “Future Stars” initiative to host regional talent camps.
- Player recruitment strategy
- Target seasoned Championship veterans for leadership.
- Secure emerging Super League loanees seeking regular minutes.
- Community outreach
- Monthly “Rugby League in the Park” clinics across Greater manchester.
- Scholarships for under‑privileged families to attend home games.
Operational Roadmap: From licensing to First‑Season Preparations
| Phase | Milestone | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Licensing | Submit full application (business plan, stadium proposal, governance structure) | 15 June 2025 |
| 2. Infrastructure | Finalise lease of the renovated Salford Sports Village (capacity 8,500) | 31 July 2025 |
| 3. Staffing | Hire Head Coach, Director of rugby Operations, Commercial Manager | 15 August 2025 |
| 4. Squad Assembly | Sign core 30‑player roster (50 % domestic talent) | 30 August 2025 |
| 5. Brand Launch | Reveal club crest, kit, and digital fan portal | 10 september 2025 |
| 6. Pre‑Season | Conduct two friendly matches (home vs. Bradford Bulls, away vs. Whitehaven) | 2 - 12 November 2025 |
| 7. Season Kick‑off | First Championship fixture vs. Featherstone Rovers | 4 March 2026 |
Expected Economic and Social Benefits for Salford
- Job creation – Approx. 120 full‑time positions (coaching, operations, hospitality) and 250 part‑time roles on match days.
- Local revenue boost – Projected £4.2 million increase in hospitality and retail sales during the first two seasons.
- Youth empowerment – Over 500 school‑age participants engaged annually through academy workshops and health‑education programs.
- Brand amplification – National TV coverage (Sky Sports, Channel 5) expected to raise Salford’s profile beyond the Greater Manchester region.
Practical Tips for Fans and Stakeholders
- Season ticket early‑bird offer – Register by 31 October 2025 to lock in a 15 % discount and exclusive meet‑and‑greet with Mason Caton‑Brown.
- Volunteer opportunities – Sign‑up portal opens 1 September 2025; roles include stewarding, hospitality, and community liaison.
- Digital engagement – Download the “SRLC Live” app for real‑time stats, interactive polls, and in‑stadium AR experiences.
- Corporate partnership – Tiered sponsorship packages (Platinum, Gold, Silver) include branding on kit sleeves, stadium LED boards, and joint CSR initiatives.
Real‑World Example: Early Progress and Partnerships
- Stadium upgrade – The Salford Sports village renovation, funded by a £2 million grant from the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, now features a hybrid grass‑synthetic pitch, LED floodlights, and a community fitness hub.
- Commercial alliance – Signed a three‑year kit supply deal with English sportswear brand Kinetic; the partnership includes co‑branded training apparel for local schools.
- Player signing – Secured veteran forward Liam O’Connor (formerly of Leigh Centurions) on a two‑year contract, providing leadership for the inaugural squad.
All information reflects publicly available data as of 22 December 2025. For updates, visit the official RFL newsroom and the SRLC website.
