Super League club York Knights have been forced to ask for an advance from the Rugby Football League (RFL) to relieve financial pressure on the club, The i Paper has learned.
York approached the RFL in May to ask for their monthly funding from the governing body in June of £50,000 a month earlier to ease financial worries.
The Knights were promoted into an expanded 14-team Super League competition at the start of this year, along with French outfit Toulouse Olympique. But existing members only voted to give each club £650,000 of funding in 2026 from the RFL – which predominantly comes from their TV rights deal – while the remaining 12 clubs receive £1.3million each.
It is believed York Knights have not been placed in special measures by the RFL following their request, although the governing body has declined to comment.
York Knights have won just three of 15 games this season (Photo: Getty)The i Paper understands that York said new investors had committed funds when they applied to join the Super League, but were forced to ask for a £50,000 advance when that cash did not materialise.
It is believed the RFL has spoken to the Knights’ new investors, with this advance serving as a bridge until the new money lands on the club accounts.
York chairman Clint Goodchild told The i Paper the club did receive an advance on a portion of its central distribution in May.
“The request was made leading into the annual pitch renovation period when cash flow is traditionally tighter, and this season that challenge was compounded by the costs associated with hosting both French clubs in Super League leading into that four-week period where we cannot host home games,” Goodchild said.
“York entered 2026 fully aware that our first season in Super League would be demanding on and off the field. Since being accepted into Super League on 17 October we have made the transition to a full-time operation, increased investment across the rugby and commercial departments, and continued to grow the club at a pace that certainly tested the energy levels of our amazing staff.”
DROP GOAL! York Knights take the lead against Hull KR pic.twitter.com/dRgwFEtjQW
— Sky Sports Rugby League (@SkySportsRL) February 12, 2026He added: “We are encouraged for what is to come leading into next season. We will be a year more experienced as a full-time Super League operation in 2027 as we anticipate receiving our equal share of central distribution and continue to see significant opportunities for the growth of the club.
“Overall, we remain positive and as always continue to tackle anything that comes our way with enthusiasm. As expected, this season has presented challenges, but with the support of the RFL and wider Rugby League community along with our incredible fans it has also reinforced our belief that York has an exciting future ahead in the Super League.”
The i Paper understands the RFL is not concerned by the financial situation at the club.
Despite a strong start to the season, York have struggled on the field, winning only three of their first 15 games and currently sit second from bottom on the table. They were smashed 72-20 by Wigan Warriors last weekend.
The decision by the RFL to expand Super League to include two more clubs this year has proved controversial, with the lack of money already in the sport, and without the existing player pool to support adding more teams.
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John Davidson: Leave Wembley and a new Magic Weekend – my plan to fix the Challenge Cup Comment: Rugby league in Wales is on the brink of extinctionThe Knights and Toulouse were chosen from nine clubs that applied to join Super League in 2026, with the applications considered by a panel that was chaired by Lord Jonathan Caine.
The panel of seven individuals judged the applications against each club’s financial performance last year, as well as their financial performance and sustainability forecasts for 2026 to 2028, and their ability to “field a competitive team in 2026 and beyond”.
Rugby league in the UK has already been rocked by the financial implosion of four different clubs in Salford Red Devils, Featherstone Rovers, Halifax Panthers and North Wales Crusaders, all within the last seven months.
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