The city’s mayor is hoping for a ‘fresh start’ for the league team.
A new Salford rugby league team has been granted membership approval after ‘a dark and uncertain chapter’ seemed to spell the end for the Salford Red Devils. The 152-year-old Salford rugby league club was wound-up on Wednesday (December 3) in a court hearing that lasted one minute.
The verdict fell after the team had already crashed out of the Super League last season after a torrid campaign and financial woes that caused a mass player exodus. Now under new ownership, Salford RLFC Ltd has been granted RFL membership for a new Salford based team, which is set to take part in the Betfred Championship competition in January 2026.
The Salford Mayor has welcomed the successful ‘Phoenix Bid’ after the former squad management went into liquidation due to an unpaid tax bill. Mayor Paul Dennett said: “After a prolonged and deeply challenging period for the club, its supporters and the wider rugby league community, this decision finally allows Salford RLFC to move forward after a turbulent time.
“I look forward to working constructively with the new ownership as they begin the task of rebuilding the club on firmer, more sustainable foundations with a recognition of the responsibility they have to fans and the people of Salford.
“The confirmation of new membership, alongside a tenancy at the Salford Community Stadium, draws a clear line under a dark and uncertain chapter and marks a fresh start for the club in the city it belongs to. With the RFL Championship season beginning in less than a month, this is now a moment for unity: for supporters, players, staff and partners to come together with renewed pride and purpose.”
Spearheaded by former player Mason Caton-Brown, the new Red Devils are set to kick-off the 2026 Championship against Oldham RLFC on Friday, January 16.
Malcolm Crompton and Paul Hancock have also been confirmed as directors of the consortium, which the RFL have stated is focussed on ‘ensuring the preservation, continuity and future growth of professional Rugby League in the City of Salford’. The consortium was chosen out of three ‘well-considered proposals’.
RFL Interim CEO Abi Ekoku said: “The quality of proposals we received reflects the strength of commitment to rugby league in Salford. Our decision, which could not have been made without the clarity and support of Salford City Council and its stadium management team (CosCos), has been taken with the long-term interests of the club, the local community at its heart and the sport of rugby league as a whole.
“We are confident this outcome provides a strong platform for club stability and growth moving forward.”
