The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 is expected to be one of the most exciting editions of the tournament so far, as women’s cricket continues to grow rapidly in India and across the world. Since its launch, the WPL has transformed the women’s game by offering elite competition, global exposure, and financial stability to female cricketers.
The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 is shaping up to be a major highlight in the global cricket calendar as anticipation builds among fans and players alike. After the success of previous seasons, the upcoming edition is expected to further strengthen the league’s position as one of the premier platforms for women’s T20 cricket.
Tournament Overview
Organised by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the WPL has quickly emerged as a game-changer for women’s cricket. The 2026 season is expected to feature high-intensity matches, elite talent, and increased fan engagement. While the official schedule is yet to be announced, the tournament is likely to be held in early 2026, following the traditional T20 league format.
📌 Quick Summary
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Edition | 4th Women’s Premier League |
| Dates | 9 Jan – 5 Feb 2026 |
| Teams | 5 franchises |
| Venues | DY Patil (Navi Mumbai) & Kotambi (Vadodara) |
| Matches | 22 + Playoffs |
| Final | 5 Feb 2026 |
📍 Schedule & Key Matches
- Season Opener: Mumbai Indians vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru on 9 January 2026 at DY Patil Stadium.
- Playoffs:
• Eliminator: 3 February 2026 (Vadodara).
• Final: 5 February 2026 in Vadodara. - There will also be two Saturday double-headers for enhanced fan engagement.
Growing Popularity of WPL
The WPL has already established itself as one of the most-watched women’s T20 leagues globally. With packed stadiums, strong television ratings, and massive digital engagement, the league has proven that women’s cricket has a strong and loyal fan base. By 2026, the league is expected to attract even more viewers, sponsors, and international talent.
Teams and Star Players
The participating franchises are expected to retain their core squads while introducing fresh talent through auctions and team transfers. Indian internationals will once again share the spotlight with top overseas players from leading cricket nations, ensuring competitive balance and exciting matchups throughout the season.
Young Indian players are expected to play a key role in WPL 2026, using the league as a stepping stone toward national selection. Their performances will be closely monitored by selectors and fans.
🏆 Teams
Five franchises compete in WPL:
- Mumbai Indians Women (MI) — Defending champions.
- Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) — 2024 winners.
- Delhi Capitals Women (DC)
- UP Warriorz Women
- Gujarat Giants (GG)
Match Preview and Competition Outlook
Each match in WPL 2026 is expected to deliver fast-paced action, with teams focusing on aggressive batting, sharp fielding, and innovative bowling strategies. As competition intensifies, league-stage matches could prove decisive in the race for playoff qualification.
The playoff stage is expected to feature the top-performing teams battling for a place in the final, making every league match crucial.
📍 WPL 2026 Full Match Schedule
🏏 Navi Mumbai Leg — DY Patil Stadium
January 9–17, 2026
| Date | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 9 | Mumbai Indians vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru | Navi Mumbai |
| Jan 10 (Afternoon) | UP Warriorz vs Gujarat Giants | Navi Mumbai |
| Jan 10 (Evening) | Mumbai Indians vs Delhi Capitals | Navi Mumbai |
| Jan 11 | Delhi Capitals vs Gujarat Giants | Navi Mumbai |
| Jan 12 | Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs UP Warriorz | Navi Mumbai |
| Jan 13 | Mumbai Indians vs Gujarat Giants | Navi Mumbai |
| Jan 14 | UP Warriorz vs Delhi Capitals | Navi Mumbai |
| Jan 15 | Mumbai Indians vs UP Warriorz | Navi Mumbai |
| Jan 16 | Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Gujarat Giants | Navi Mumbai |
| Jan 17 (Afternoon) | UP Warriorz vs Mumbai Indians | Navi Mumbai |
| Jan 17 (Evening) | Delhi Capitals vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru | Navi Mumbai |
🏏 Vadodara Leg — Kotambi Stadium
January 19 – February 1, 2026
| Date | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 19 | Gujarat Giants vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru | Vadodara |
| Jan 20 | Delhi Capitals vs Mumbai Indians | Vadodara |
| Jan 22 | Gujarat Giants vs UP Warriorz | Vadodara |
| Jan 24 | Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Delhi Capitals | Vadodara |
| Jan 26 | Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Mumbai Indians | Vadodara |
| Jan 27 | Gujarat Giants vs Delhi Capitals | Vadodara |
| Jan 29 | UP Warriorz vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru | Vadodara |
| Jan 30 | Gujarat Giants vs Mumbai Indians | Vadodara |
| Feb 1 | Delhi Capitals vs UP Warriorz | Vadodara |
🏆 Playoffs
| Date | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Feb 3, 2026 | Eliminator (2nd vs 3rd) | Vadodara |
| Feb 5, 2026 | Final | Vadodara |
Impact on Women’s Cricket in India
The Women’s Premier League has played a major role in improving grassroots cricket, player fitness, and professional standards. By 2026, its impact is expected to be even stronger, inspiring young girls to take up cricket as a career and helping India remain competitive at the international level.
Fan Engagement and Broadcast
The Women’s Premier League continues to enjoy strong broadcast and digital viewership. The 2026 season is expected to see expanded coverage across television and streaming platforms, along with enhanced on-ground fan experiences and social media engagement.
Why WPL 2026 Is Important
Beyond the cricket, WPL 2026 represents a significant step forward for women’s sports in India. The league not only provides financial security and global exposure to players but also inspires the next generation of women cricketers.
As official announcements approach, fans can expect more updates on fixtures, squads, and venues, with WPL 2026 promising another thrilling chapter in women’s franchise cricket.
