Hull FC are confident of achieving Grade A status from IMG in the 2025 gradings. However, the club has taken the ‘proactive measure’ to apply to retain their Super League position for the 2026 season.
The Super League competition will expand from 12 to 14 teams in 2026, with the top 12 IMG-rated clubs gaining automatic entry to the competition. An independent panel will then select the final two clubs.
Meanwhile, Hull scored Grade B status last year, and while they expect to compete in Super League next year, they have still submitted a formal application. If they are within the top 12 IMG clubs, having finished in tenth spot last term, then the club will withdraw its application.
Explaining why, a club statement read: “In light of the upcoming IMG grading period, as well as the planned expansion of the league to fourteen teams, Hull FC have submitted an application for reasons of prudence and good housekeeping.
“The club is confident of returning to a Grade A status when the next grading period arrives in the autumn; however, as things stand, Hull FC are currently registered as a Grade B club.
“Therefore the club feels it is prudent to apply for Super League status in 2026, as it is difficult to accurately estimate how other clubs will score when the IMG grades are updated later in the year. Once the IMG gradings are published, it is anticipated that Hull FC will then formally withdraw its application.
“The top twelve clubs under grading at the conclusion of the 2025 domestic season will compete in the 2026 Betfred Super League campaign, alongside two clubs recommended by an independent panel, chaired by Lord Jonathan Caine.”
Hull FC Chief Executive, Richie Myler, said: “It is important to communicate to our fans that we expect to compete in Super League for 2026 and beyond.”
Chairman, Andrew Thirkill, added: “We sincerely thank all our supporters. 2025 has been a year of considerable progress on and off the pitch, and the club will issue a general update with more details at the conclusion of the current Super League season.”