During the summer of 1987, freedom of contract was introduced, replacing the retain and transfer system used in previous seasons.

An independent tribunal was created to rule on transfers where the two clubs were unable to agree on a fee.

[1] The first case decided by the new tribunal was on 27 August 1987, setting a £40,000 fee for Ged Byrne's transfer from Salford to Wigan.

At the end of the season players from the League were selected to go on the 1988 Great Britain Lions tour.

The Wigan scrum half, Andy Gregory, won the Lance Todd Trophy for his man-of-the-match performance.