WARRINGTON Wolves have been given the top grading as IMG release their provisional rankings of rugby league clubs within the professional system.

For now, the rankings are purely illustrative but they will help shape how Super League and the competitions below look from 2025 onwards.

Warrington are among seven clubs to have been given a Grade A, which would mean guaranteed status in Super League.

They rank fifth out of the 35 clubs assessed with a score of 15.75 out of 20, drawn from five key pillars of assessment – fandom, stadium, performance, finances and community.

Leeds Rhinos top the rankings with a score of 17.49, followed by Wigan Warriors (16.87), St Helens (16.78) and Catalans Dragons (16.73).

Both Hull clubs have also been ranked at Grade A while the remaining Super League clubs plus the majority of those in the Championship have been given a Grade B.

Membership of the Betfred Super League in 2025 will be determined by the top 12 teams in the 2024 rankings, which will be announced at the culmination of the 2024 season.

Check out the full rankings below

“Rugby league embarked on a bold journey with the launch of the strategic partnership with IMG in May 2022 and 18 months into that journey, the publication of these indicative club gradings is a highly significant step," RFL chief executive Tony Sutton said.

“The sport has had to examine itself more closely than ever, at all levels – whether in terms of our central governance, or for our clubs in assessing all areas of their off-field performance. 

“The results are heartening, as seven of our clubs already reach the A Grade by reaching the score IMG set as the benchmark, and which we believe should be the level clubs need to achieve in order to confirm their place in our elite competition – and another 17 have earned a B Grade and now know exactly what they need to do to reach the higher level. 

“Congratulations are due to the A Grade clubs, although I know they will not be resting on their laurels as the key to the grading process is that it is dynamic and requires clubs to maintain standards. 

“All clubs also deserve recognition for the positive way in which they have engaged in this process, all with the aim of raising the standards of rugby league – and of reimagining the sport.”