New Salford team granted Championship status

Three weeks after the former Salford team was acquired, the Rugby Football League has approved a new Salford team championship membership for 2026.

Three “high-quality” proposals have been chosen to form a consortium led by former Red Devils player Mason Caton-Brown.

Salford RLFC Ltd’s submission, according to the RFL, “proved a clear commitment to sustainable governance, financial responsibility, and long-term stability.”

The new club is in a race against time as they prepare for a scheduled season-opening game against Oldham on January 16th, according to Caton-Brown, who earlier earlier claimed that he had a head coach and players ready to join the club.

He stated at the time, “We already have a few agreements with some players, and if this bid is successful, we can turn those agreements into concrete agreements with the players.” “I’m really confident we can get a full squad out on our first game,” he said.

“We have a coach on our hands, and he’s really excited and prepared.” He has been putting in a lot of effort to talk to players as well.

Following a turbulent year, the Red Devils of Salford were forced to liquidate on December 3rd, leaving them without their Super League status for 2026. A mass player exodus, late pay, severe defeats, and closure.

The 152-year-old club was ended by the High Court’s decision, but hopes were quickly that a Phoenix club could join the second-tier Championship in 2026.

The RFL stated they hoped Caton-Brown’s group could work alongside the unsuccessful parties in a “mutually beneficial way” with a consortium led by former Salford chief executive Chris Irwin.

According to interim chief executive officer of the RFL, “the quality of the proposals we received reflects the strength of commitment to rugby league in Salford.”

Matt Newsum, a rugby league reporter for BBC Sport,

Salford may be in existence for 2026, but Mason Caton-Brown, Malcolm Crompton, and Paul Hancock must work together to put the finishing touches on it.

Most rugby teams are players, and Salford are now significantly behind the eight-ball, not to mention being fed from the bottom of the proverbial trough; most clubs have had their recruitment procedures in place for a while, so Salford will largely be looking at those out-of-contract players or young people looking for an opportunity rather than established names.

To appoint, there will also be a coaching team and performance and medical personnel. The footballing side is a top priority, but the off-field personnel are also taken into account.

If this new outfit maintains its top spot in the division, even though the previous club’s IMG grading does not account for their central distribution, which will be among the highest in the division. Despite this, the new ownership will make up the majority of the investment.