Rugby league's 20 Championship clubs have agreed to implement a stricter salary cap from the 2027 season, following a strategic review by the Rugby Football League (RFL) aimed at preventing overspending.
The new rules directly link player spending to club revenue, with caps ranging from £250,000 for clubs with revenue up to £600,000, to a maximum of £500,000 for those earning £1 million or more.
Several clubs have faced severe financial difficulties this season. Halifax Panthers went into liquidation before regaining their RFL membership, while North Wales Crusaders narrowly avoided closure after supporters stepped in. Featherstone Rovers were denied entry to the 2026 Championship due to unresolved financial issues.
"The fundamental principle is that, from next year, the amount a Championship club can spend on players will be directly correlated to the income that club can generate," the RFL said in a statement.
RFL chair Nigel Wood added: "Linking spend to income does not hamper progressive clubs looking to build but it should act as something of a handbrake on spending that is unsustainable."
New salary cap limits:
- Revenue up to £600,000: Cap limit £250,000
- Revenue £601,000–£750,000: Cap limit £300,000
- Revenue £751,000–£999,000: Cap limit £400,000
- Revenue £1 million plus: Cap limit £500,000