THE line-up for Super League 2025 has been confirmed after IMG released their much-discussed club gradings.

This is the first year in which the gradings system put in place by rugby league’s strategic partners will decide the make-up of competitions, with “Grade A” clubs guaranteed a spot in the top-flight alongside the highest-ranking “Grade B” clubs.

As expected, Warrington Wolves have retained the “Grade A” they were given when IMG released indicative marks last year, with their score out of a possible 20 having risen to 16.27 from 15.75.

That ranks them fourth behind St Helens (17.02), Wigan Warriors (16.91) and Leeds Rhinos (16.84).

The only difference in the make-up of the competition is Championship winners Wakefield Trinity, who have been elevated to “Grade A” status, replacing London Broncos, who finished bottom of Super League in 2024.

Wakefield, Leigh Leopards and Castleford Tigers have been upgraded from “Grade B” status, with nine Super League clubs achieving the top grading.

Hull FC have been dropped to a “Grade B” and rank 10th, with Huddersfield Giants (14.48) and Salford Red Devils (13.97) below them.

Wire’s IMG score of 16.27 is the fourth-highest with only St Helens, Wigan Warriors and Leeds Rhinos scoring higher (Image: Gary Oakley/PA Wire)

Wire the biggest improvers of 2024 “Grade A” clubs

When IMG released their indicative gradings last year, Warrington were among seven clubs awarded a “Grade A” alongside Saints, Wigan, Leeds, Catalans Dragons, Hull KR and Hull FC.

And of those seven clubs, they have posted the biggest increase in their score having jumped up by 0.52 points.

Hull KR, Saints and Wigan have also increased their scores – up by 0.45, 0.24 and 0.04 points respectively – while the other three saw their scores drop.

Scoring 0.54 points less than last year drops Hull FC to a “Grade B” while Catalans dropped by more than a full point (1.21). Leeds’ score decreased by 0.65 points.

How the IMG grading system works

Clubs are given a score out of 20 and are judged across five pillars – Fandom, On-Field Performance, Finance, Stadium and Community.

Fandom, which incorporates things such as social media followings, website reads and TV viewership as well as match attendances, and On-Field Performance both have five points available.

On-field performance is assessed on league position over the past three seasons so while The Wire finished third in 2024 and sixth in 2023, their 11th-place finish in 2022 harms their score.

The Finance pillar carries a maximum of 4.5 points, with the Stadium category worth three and Community 2.5.