The Rugby Football League (RFL), a privately owned organization headquartered in the UK, is the governing body for rugby league in England. Founded in 1895 as the Northern Rugby Football Union after a schism with the Rugby Football Union, it adopted its current name in 1922. The RFL employs approximately 280 people and, in 2022, reported revenues of around $50 million. Its primary activity is the oversight and administration of professional rugby league spectator sports.
In July 2024, clubs voted on a proposed Super League expansion to 14 teams, with Hull KR and Hull FC opposing the plan. Concerns were later raised by other clubs about the Rugby Football League's expansion plans, leading to calls for a delay until 2027. Separately, Rugby League Commercial's 2024 financial accounts showed a loss exceeding £3,000,000 from the sport's television broadcast deal. Nine clubs formally applied for Super League expansion in 2026, but Salford Red Devils did not submit an application. On Friday, Salford Red Devils cancelled their Super League match against Wakefield Trinity due to a player shortage, citing concerns for player welfare. A 12-week rugby league programme at HMP Lincoln, run in partnership with PeoplePlus and HMP Lincoln, graduated nine participants, focusing on skill-building, confidence, and positive routines.
Similar Companies
Subscribe for full access to The Rugby Football League's profile
The Rugby Football League offers 7 products in the media and telecoms services and sports industries. The Rugby Football League's product portfolio comprises of media and TV services and contact sports.
Subscribe for full access to The Rugby Football League's products in full detail
The Rugby Football League's revenues were less than $100M in 2023. Caretta Research has split The Rugby Football League's revenue into 3 different product categories, the largest of which is rugby League. For full access to The Rugby Football League's revenue breakdown subscribe to Caretta Portal.
Subscribe for full access to The Rugby Football League's revenue in full detail
Examples of The Rugby Football League's suppliers include Urban Zoo, ScorePlay and StreamAMG.
Example Customers
Subscribe for full access to The Rugby Football League's profile
Example Suppliers
Subscribe for full access to The Rugby Football League's profile
Example Partners
Subscribe for full access to The Rugby Football League's profile
The Rugby Football League sells broadcasting rights of its 5 rugby League and rugby Union competitions to 14 companies globally, covering 5 countries. The Rugby Football League's rights holders include Disney Sports / ESPN, BBC and Sky Group. The Rugby Football League currently holds 2 broadcasting rights for sports competitions including rugby league and rugby union.
Example Sports Rights Customers
Subscribe for full access to The Rugby Football League's profile
Example Sports Rights Suppliers
Subscribe for full access to The Rugby Football League's profile
Subscribe for full access to The Rugby Football League's products in full detail 
