Women IPL 2026: Complete Guide, Schedule & Results

The Women’s Premier League (WPL), or Women’s IPL as most fans call it, is now one of the biggest women’s cricket tournaments in the world. The league started in 2023, and each season has gotten more competitive and more popular. This guide covers what you need to know about the 2026 season, including the teams, schedule, where to watch, and what to expect.

Tournament Overview

The BCCI created the WPL as the professional T20 league for women’s cricket in India. It works similarly to the men’s IPL—franchises with Indian and international players competing in a league format. The first season in 2023 saw Mumbai Indians win the title. Delhi Capitals took the championship in 2024. The 2025 season added more teams and higher viewership numbers, showing just how fast the league has grown.

The format mirrors the IPL: a group stage where every team plays each other, followed by knockout matches. Four teams make the playoffs—an eliminator, two semifinals, and the final.

Participating Teams

Five teams compete in the WPL:

Mumbai Indians Women — The Mumbai Indians brand is behind this team, and they’ve been strong since day one. They have some of the best Indian internationals and have developed young players into stars.

Delhi Capitals Women — Based in the capital, this team has consistently been a title contender. They mix experienced international players with domestic talent effectively.

Royal Challengers Bangalore Women — The RCB name brings star power. Known for aggressive batting, they’re always competitive.

Gujarat Giants Women — This western India franchise has invested in building a strong squad and is pushing toward championship contention.

UP Warriorz Women — The northern team has improved each season and is becoming a real threat.

Each team carries about 18-20 players, with a mix of Indians and overseas internationals. The auction system keeps teams competitive.

Schedule

The 2026 season will likely run from late February through mid-April, following the pattern of previous years. The BCCI usually releases the full schedule a few weeks before the tournament starts.

Group stage matches happen across several Indian cities. Each team plays around eight matches in the group stage. The top four teams move to the playoffs.

Check the BCCI website and team social media accounts for the exact match dates and venues, since these can change.

Venues

WPL matches happen at major cricket stadiums across India:

Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai hosts games regularly. It’s smaller than the big grounds but creates an intimate crowd atmosphere.

Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi is another primary venue with good facilities and central location.

M. Chainaswamy Stadium in Bangalore draws passionate crowds, especially for evening games.

Other venues include Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad and Ekana Stadium in Lucknow. These grounds have hosted major cricket events and provide professional conditions for players and fans.

How to Watch

TV: Star Sports Network broadcasts WPL matches in India. Star Sports 1, Star Sports 2, and their HD channels show games throughout the season. Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu commentary are available.

Streaming: Disney+ Hotstar streams all matches live in India. You can watch on phones, tablets, or smart TVs.

International: Viewers outside India can find coverage through regional sports networks. The league has expanded international distribution each year.

Highlights: Official social media channels post match highlights within hours of completion if you miss the live action.

Previous Winners

The 2023 inaugural season went to Mumbai Indians. They beat Delhi Capitals in the final.

Delhi Capitals won the 2024 championship, defeating Royal Challengers Bangalore.

The 2025 winner came from the top four teams in the group stage. Check sports news for the specific results.

Each season has raised the level of women’s cricket in India. More young players are getting professional opportunities and catching national selector attention.

Players to Watch

Several star players will be in action:

Smriti Mandhana — One of India’s most reliable batters, consistent match-winner for her team.

Harmanpreet Kaur — Indian captain with powerful hitting and strong leadership.

Sophie Devine — New Zealand all-rounder who brings experience and versatility.

Shafali Verma — Young Indian batter known for quick scoring at the top of the order.

Ellyse Perry — Australian star with excellent all-round abilities.

The league also discovers new talent every year—young Indian players use the WPL to develop and get noticed by national selectors.

Looking Ahead

The 2026 season should continue the growth. With strong teams, good venues, and growing fan interest, the WPL is establishing itself as a major player in women’s cricket worldwide. The tournament gives young Indian players a professional platform and brings international stars to domestic cricket.

For the full schedule and ticket details, follow the BCCI’s official announcements. Matches tend to fill up quickly, especially weekend games and finals, so booking early helps.

FAQs

When does Women’s IPL 2026 start?

The season will likely begin in late February or early March 2026, following the pattern of previous years. The BCCI announces the exact dates a few weeks before opening day.

Which teams are playing in WPL 2026?

The same five franchises as before: Mumbai Indians Women, Delhi Capitals Women, Royal Challengers Bangalore Women, Gujarat Giants Women, and UP Warriorz Women.

Where can I watch Women’s IPL 2026?

Star Sports Network for TV and Disney+ Hotstar for streaming in India. International viewers should check their local sports broadcasters. Social media has highlights after each match.

Who won Women’s IPL 2025?

The 2025 champion was one of the top four teams from the group stage. Sports news sources have the specific winner and final scores.

What is the format?

Five teams play a round-robin group stage. The top four teams advance to an eliminator, two semifinals, and the final.

How can I buy tickets?

Tickets go through official ticketing partners and team websites. The BCCI announces sales dates closer to the season. Weekend games and finals sell out fast, so plan ahead.