Wigan Warriors and Warrington Wolves made history in March as they took part in the first Super League match in Las Vegas but what happens next? Let’s take a look…
The Warriors claimed a dominant 48-24 win over the Wolves at the Allegiant Stadium in the first Super League game to be played in the United States.
Around 10,000 English fans were in the crowd for the first part of a quadruple header involving two NRL fixtures and a women’s Test match between England and the Australia Jillaroos.
After hailing the success of the historic event, Rugby League Commercial’s managing director Rhodri Jones has said supporters can expect another Stateside show next year.
But what is the Vegas concept? And who will Super League be sending next?
Tyler Dupree – the nephew of Super Bowl winner Billy Joe Dupree – gets opening try in Las Vegas for the Wigan Warriors against the Warrington Wolves
NRL and now Super League attracting American attention
The Las Vegas round is a concept that started in 2024 when the NRL took two of its season-opening games to Las Vegas.
The Manly Warringah Sea Eagles took on South Sydney Rabbitohs and Sydney Roosters faced Brisbane Broncos, with the Roosters and Sea Eagles coming away with wins.
In a historic event, it was the first time rugby league had hit American shores for a season opener and in 2025, Super League joined the party.
Abbas Miski leaps to claim Wigan Warrior’s second try in Las Vegas in the corner against Warrington Wolves
The premier northern hemisphere competition linked up with Australia’s top league to put on a show in Vegas, Wigan decimating Sam Burgess’ Warrington at the Allegiant Stadium.
Along with the women’s international, there were two NRL contests with Canberra Raiders beating New Zealand Warriors and reigning champions Penrith Panthers rallied to defeat Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks.
The Super League fans were hailed with creating quite the atmosphere at the event and two more teams from the competition will be heading to Sin City in 2026. But, how do they decide who will be going?
Jai Field goes over after a great run by Liam Marshall to score Wigan Warriors’ fifth try against Warrington Wolves
Time to register interest!
Jones said that Super League clubs would be invited to register their interest in taking part a in 2026 showpiece.
Indeed, with Wigan and Warrington sharing their learnings with other Super League clubs, they will now take time to figure out if they want a slice of the action and if they do, put themselves forward to be considered as one of the two teams to head to Las Vegas in 2026.
Matty Ashton goes the length of the pitch – and loses a boot – to bring an end to an epic night in Las Vegas between Wigan Warriors and Warrington Wolves
“I can confirm there will be a game here next year of Super League in Vegas,” Rhodri Jones told Sky Sports.
“We had the conversation with the NRL earlier this week. They want us to be a part of this event. I think the two teams this year and ourselves have proved that we are an integral part of this event so Super League will be back here next year.
“(It was) absolutely spectacular. What a stadium. The two teams came out and gave everything. The fans have been great. I think what’s impressed the Australian and New Zealand fans have been our fans and the noise that they’ve made. It’s been a spectacular experience.
Rugby league is set to head back to Las Vegas for more matches in 2026 after a ‘spectacular week’
“We’ll do a review with all the teams so they can understand the financials and logistics of it all, and then we’ll ask the clubs to express their interest.
“I’m pretty sure we’ll have a number of clubs keen to come next year.”
So, who are the front runners…
Who can we expect to see in Vegas?
At this moment in time, it is rumoured that St Helens, Leeds Rhinos, and Hull KR are the front runners to be heading to America in 2026.
Rhinos Chief Execuive Gary Hetherington was in Vegas for the extravaganza and met with parties involved in the production of the game. Meanwhile Saints head coach Paul Wellens has said his side would like to be “in the conversation” to be on the plane in 2026.
Jon Wilkin tells The Verdict on Sky Sports News about how big the impact the Las Vegas showpiece will have on the global reach of the sport and also pays tribute to the ability of Bevan French
“All I’d say from our perspective is that if it looks like it’s happening again, we’d like to be involved in the conversation,” Wellens said.
“That’s all we can say at this stage, and I imagine there’s a number of other clubs saying the same thing, but if we can be part of the conversation there then that would be great.
“I thought it was great to see rugby league being played over in the United States, and there was a wonderful following of not just Warrington and Wigan fans, but rugby league fans in general. That made for what looked like a really good spectacle.
“If things happen in the future, then we’d like to be a part of the conversation, but obviously those conversations will happen further down the track.”
Highlights of the Super League match between St Helens and Salford Red Devils
With their recent success, KR also believe they have a good chance of being selected.
“We are keen to understand the financial numbers involved with playing in Vegas,” said Robins CEO Paul Lakin.
“Having been in the Super League Grand Final last season, the Challenge Cup final the season before, and with over 9,600 club members, we would expect to be a strong choice.
“I have no doubt our fantastic fan base and talented playing squad would love such an opportunity.”
Mikey Lewis kicks Hull KR to a golden-point victory over Castleford Tigers
Who will not be going to Sin City?
While there are some teams who are very interested in making the trip, others have declared they will not be registering their interest at this time, including newly-promoted Wakefield Trinity.
Highlights of the Super League clash between Wakefield Trinity and St Helens
“We’d love to do it, but we probably won’t do it straight away because we’re on a journey and I want the club to get into Challenge Cup finals, into the top four and be pushing for Grand Finals,” Trinity owner Matt Ellis told BBC Radio Leeds.
“I think the teams that go should be at that level. Hopefully this year we can take a step towards that, and then who knows?
“I don’t think it’ll be next year, but in 2027/2028, it’d be interesting to see if we can do it.”
Highlights of the Betfred Super League match between Wakefield Trinity and Hull KR
Meanwhile, it is expected that Salford Red Devils will not be involved in the conversation due to their ongoing financial issues, with Paul Rowley’s side back under salary cap restriction following the non-payment of staff and players.
It is not known whether Hull FC, Huddersfield Giants, Catalans Dragons, and Castleford Tigers will register their interest for 2026.
Sky Sports will again show every game of the Super League live this season – including two matches in each round exclusively live, with the remaining four matches each week shown on Sky Sports+ via the red button.
