London Broncos accept zero-funding terms as Super League expansion vote awaits

London Broncos have agreed to forgo central funding for a proposed return to Super League in 2027, according to Love Rugby League. The agreement removes a financial obstacle to their admission, but it does not confirm promotion: clubs must first vote on expansion, with the Rugby Football League responsible for selecting any additional team.

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Clubs are expected to vote in the coming days on expanding to 15 teams, Love Rugby League reported on Wednesday. The RFL would then determine admission, with the IMG gradings expected to guide its decision.

Barrow Raiders are relevant to that process because they finished 15th in the gradings, ahead of London. According to the report, Barrow have said they are not ready for Super League in 2027, and their facilities do not meet minimum standards. That would allow the RFL to approach the Broncos as the next club in the rankings.

The proposed funding arrangement would differ from the terms accepted by York Knights and Toulouse Olympique for their entry this year. Love Rugby League previously reported that those clubs agreed to approximately £650,000 each, half the allocation received by the other 12 teams. London would instead enter without a central distribution payment.

The same outlet reported on October 23 that a wider partnership between Super League and Australia's NRL was being targeted for 2028. London could therefore join before that arrangement begins. It also reported that the Broncos believed potential commercial agreements could outweigh the second-tier distribution they would sacrifice, although those anticipated revenues were not confirmed.

On the field, London completed a three-trophy season in 2026. The club's own announcements confirm that they won the League Leaders' Shield, the 1895 Cup and the Championship Grand Final. London have also announced contract extensions for Ben Hursey-Hord through 2028 and Marcus Stock through 2027 as preparations continue for next season. Those successes form the sporting backdrop to the admission discussions, while the proposed route into Super League still depends on the separate competition-size and selection decisions.