This post was originally published on this site.
Champions Wigan Warriors will begin the defence of their Women’s Super League title at home to Leeds Rhinos on Saturday, 16 May.
Last season, Wigan completed a treble of Challenge Cup, League Leaders’ Shield and finally the title after defeating St Helens in the Grand Final.
Runners-up Saints start at Barrow Raiders on Sunday, 17 May, with the other two opening fixtures on 16 May – 2024 champions York Valkyrie host Huddersfield Giants while Leigh Leopards play newly promoted Featherstone Rovers.
The 2026 season will culminate with the Grand Final on Sunday, 27 September.
In a change of format for 2026, there will be seven rounds of fixtures where every team plays each other once.
The league will then be split into two groups of four – the top four and the bottom four, who will play the other teams in their group home and away in an extended play-off series.
The winners of that series will lift the League Leaders’ Shield and go directly into the Grand Final, with the teams in second and third facing off for the remaining spot in the showpiece.
At the other end, the team who finishes eighth will have to play the winners of the National Championship for the final remaining Super League spot in 2027.
“The Women’s Super League evolves in 2026, introducing an extended, high-impact play-off series designed to elevate performance, intensify competition, and unlock the next phase of commercial growth,” said Thomas Brindle, general manager of the Women’s Super League.
“Built around the principle of turning the dial up on competitive games throughout the season, the refreshed competition structure ensures that every game matters, momentum builds across the season, and the biggest moments in women’s rugby league are showcased when attention is at its peak.”
Opening fixtures
Saturday, 16 May:
York Valkyrie v Huddersfield Giants (12:00 BST kick-off)
Wigan Warriors v Leeds Rhinos (14:00)
Leigh Leopards v Featherstone Rovers (KO TBC)
Sunday, 17 May:
Barrow Raiders v St Helens (14:30)
