Tbf to Jake, as far as the expansion back to 14 SL teams go, it does have the whiff of a Rovers wish evolving into a rumour.



I wouldn't be surprised to see a change of some sort though - e.g. binning off the 8s. Three seasons isn't a bad lifespan for a system under the RFL. How long did licensing last to provide a stable environment for long-term investment? 4 years was it?

6 I think(?), 2009-2014.



Whilst the current system isn't perfect, it does strike a balance between the top league being fairly hard to get into (as promotion isn't automatic), but also that any team could in theory rise through the leagues like we see in football.



I can't see a 14-team SL next year for the same reasons as Jake, unless the RFL are somehow able to negotiate more cash from Sky. The new deal that kicked off this year runs until the end of 2021, and SL clubs get c£1.8m. Cut that money between 14 clubs and each of the current 12 will be losing c£250-£300k.

Relegation was back for 2014, so we're both wrong.





I agree about 14 teams - I can't see the SL chairman voting to divide the Sky pie more ways. Especially with the cap going up. Toronto could be the new Bridgend, I suppose, and a 13 team league wouldn't work well - but I've seen enough of the 'relegation cancelled' rumours when we were under threat in SL (2007 and 2016) to be more than a little dubious.



I broadly agree about the current system. It has problems, but so do the alternatives. My one real niggle with it is the complexity, in a sport already overburdened (IMO) with overly complex regulation.

At the of the day it's what sky wants the chairman won't have a say in it

No, the chairman have every say in it, it's completely their say.

Yeah they would, SL clubs get £1.65m a year now X 2 is £3.3m, take off whatever toulouse and toronto are getting.



Going back to franchising I've heard

I think you're mischief making. This is more wishful thinking from Hull KR supporters mixed with winding up by Hull fans.

If the chairman had a say in it sky wouldn't be able to get away with such a crap deal take the sky money away and most the clubs would go to the wall

Potentially 10/12 more games could be broadcasted. I can't see Sly having an issue with throwing another £3.6m in.