A club-led strategic review has recommended the Rugby Football League consider moving the Challenge Cup final away from Wembley. The proposal is part of a 144-point report compiled by the group and will be considered by stakeholders in the coming weeks.
The recommendation reflects concerns over falling attendances at Wembley, which have not topped 65,000 since 2017. The stadium has hosted the tournament final in every year but one since 1929, prompting calls to explore alternative hosts to refresh the occasion.
Other ideas in the review aim to reinvigorate earlier rounds of the competition. One suggestion is to stage the round of 16 at a neutral venue as a Magic Weekend–style showcase to “put the magic back into the competition.” The group also proposed introducing a Community Shield–type match between the winners of the Super League Grand Final and the Challenge Cup.
On league structure, the review advises keeping Super League at 14 teams for now, with expansion to 16 only when the sport can demonstrate sustainable financial growth and a sufficient supply of players. An eight-team play-off series was also recommended. The authors of the report stressed that any expansion should occur only when it can be financially and operationally sustained and will not harm the current distribution of funds to clubs.
The report covers numerous other operational and commercial recommendations that will be debated by clubs, the RFL and other stakeholders before any formal changes are adopted.
Broadcasting note: Sky Sports will show every match of the 2026 Betfred Super League season, including Magic Weekend, the play-offs and the Grand Final, with matches also available to stream on NOW.