The IMG gradings are shaking up the world of rugby league, and the fans are buzzing with excitement and controversy! But what exactly are these gradings, and why do they matter?
The IMG Grading System Explained:
Rugby league clubs across Super League, the Championship, and League 1 are now subject to a new ranking system, courtesy of IMG, a media powerhouse. This system assigns points based on various criteria, ultimately determining a club's league status.
In a significant development, clubs voted in 2023 to embrace IMG's proposal, which was crafted in collaboration with Rugby League Commercial. This decision has sparked intense debates among fans and experts alike.
Ranking the Clubs:
The grading system ranks clubs from 1 to 34, with the top 12 securing a coveted spot in the top-flight league. But here's where it gets interesting: Super League is expanding from 12 to 14 teams for the upcoming season, adding a twist to the promotion process.
Promotion Drama:
Bradford Bulls' promotion to Super League for 2026 is a prime example of the system's impact. Their impressive IMG score of 14.81 secured their place, replacing Salford Red Devils. But the question remains: Is this new system fair to all clubs?
League Restructuring:
There's more! Plans are afoot to merge the Championship and League 1 into a single league, but the fixture format remains a mystery until the Super League lineup for 2026 is finalized on October 16th. And this is the part most people miss—the suspense is building!
Grading Criteria:
The IMG grading system evaluates clubs across five key areas, each with its own point allocation:
- Fandom (5 points): Attendance, viewership, and digital fan engagement are crucial, with points awarded for social media following, website visits, and overall interaction.
- Performance (5 points): League positions over three seasons and cup competition results are considered, with higher points for Super League and Challenge Cup wins.
- Finances (4.5 points): Financial health, revenue diversity, and business performance are assessed.
- Stadium (3 points): Stadium quality, capacity, ownership, and match-day experience, including LED boards and big screens, are evaluated.
- Community (2.5 points): The success of club foundations and local supporter engagement are considered, with a focus on catchment areas.
Grading Results:
Clubs need 15 points or more for an A ranking and 7.5 for a B. In 2025, several clubs achieved an A grade, including Wigan Warriors, St Helens, and Leeds Rhinos. Hull KR, the treble winners, topped the IMG rankings with 17.85 points.
Meanwhile, Castleford Tigers, Huddersfield Giants, and Salford attained B grades, with the latter receiving the lowest score in the Super League. Bradford Bulls led the Championship clubs in grading.
Controversy and Incomplete Data:
League One's Keighley Cougars and Newcastle Thunder missed out on grading in 2025 due to incomplete data submissions. This has sparked debates about the fairness of the system, especially for clubs with less resources.
Expansion Aspirations:
With the Super League expansion, clubs like Bradford Bulls, Doncaster, and London Broncos have applied for promotion. But will the IMG gradings truly reflect the clubs' potential?
Your Thoughts:
As the rugby league landscape evolves, the IMG gradings are a hot topic. Do you think this system is a fair and accurate way to rank clubs? Are there aspects that could be improved? Share your opinions and insights in the comments below, and let's keep the conversation going!
