WPL 2026: The Ultimate Guide to Dates, Schedule, Squads & How to Watch Every Match

WPL 2026: Dates, schedule, venues, live streaming, squads and all you need to know

The cricketing world’s most exciting women’s T20 league is back, and it’s bigger and better than ever. WPL 2026 kicks off on January 9, promising high-voltage action, fierce rivalries, and a showcase of the planet’s finest female cricketers. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a newcomer to the game, this is your one-stop, definitive guide to everything happening in the third season of the Women’s Premier League.

Table of Contents

WPL 2026: Key Tournament Details

The stage is set for a blockbuster season. WPL 2026 will run from January 9 to February 5, 2026. The tournament retains its compact, high-intensity format with five powerhouse franchises competing in a double round-robin league stage . This means each team will face every other team twice, guaranteeing 20 league matches before the playoffs begin. The opening fixture is a dream matchup: defending champions Mumbai Indians take on former winners Royal Challengers Bengaluru—a rematch of the previous final that promises fireworks from the very first ball .

The Full WPL 2026 Schedule and Match Timings

All league matches will start at 7:30 PM IST, with the exception of weekend double-headers which may feature an afternoon game. The playoffs, including Qualifier 1, the Eliminator, and the Grand Final, will follow the same evening timing. The much-anticipated final will be played on February 5, 2026 . While the complete day-by-day schedule is yet to be officially released by the BCCI, the framework is now clear for fans to plan their viewing parties.

WPL 2026 Venues: A Tale of Two Cities

This season, the WPL caravan travels across two vibrant Indian cities, bringing the action closer to more fans than ever before.

  • Navi Mumbai: The Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy will host the opening leg of the tournament, including the first 11 matches from January 9 to January 17 .
  • Vadodara: The action then shifts to Gujarat, where the Baroda Cricket Association Stadium (Moti Bagh) will be the stage for the remainder of the league phase, all three playoff matches, and the grand finale on February 5 .

This split-venue strategy not only diversifies the fan experience but also tests the teams’ adaptability to different pitch conditions.

WPL 2026 Teams and Expected Squads

The five franchises are gearing up for a fierce battle. While the official squads post-auction are still being finalized, the core of each team remains a blend of international superstars and India’s brightest young talents. The franchises are:

  1. Mumbai Indians (Defending Champions)
  2. Royal Challengers Bengaluru
  3. Delhi Capitals
  4. UP Warriorz
  5. Gujarat Giants

Expect marquee names like Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana, Meg Lanning, and Ashleigh Gardner to lead their respective sides. For the latest on player acquisitions and squad updates, keep an eye on our dedicated [INTERNAL_LINK:wpl-2026-auction-results] page.

How to Watch WPL 2026: Live Streaming and Broadcast Info

You won’t have to miss a single boundary or wicket! The entire WPL 2026 tournament will be broadcast live on the Sports18 network in India. For those who prefer to stream on their devices, every match will be available on the JioCinema app and website, offering a seamless and high-quality viewing experience . International fans can check their local broadcasters for coverage, as the league continues to grow its global footprint.

Playoff Format and Road to the Final

The path to the trophy remains unchanged from previous seasons, ensuring a fair and competitive route to the final. After the 20 league matches, the top three teams on the points table will qualify for the playoffs .

  • Qualifier 1: The 1st and 2nd placed teams face off. The winner goes straight to the Final.
  • Eliminator: The 2nd and 3rd placed teams (or the loser of Qualifier 1 and the 3rd placed team) play a knock-out match.
  • Final: The winner of Qualifier 1 faces the winner of the Eliminator for the championship title.

This format rewards consistent performance throughout the league stage while keeping the door open for a late surge from the third-placed team.

Conclusion: Get Ready for History

WPL 2026 is more than just a cricket tournament; it’s a cultural moment. With its strategic venues, star-studded lineups, and accessible broadcast options, the league is poised to break new viewership records and inspire a generation of young girls to pick up a bat or a ball. From the opening ceremony’s glitz to the final ball of the championship match, every moment promises to be historic. So, mark your calendars, set your reminders, and get ready to witness the future of cricket unfold. For a deeper dive into team strategies, check out our [INTERNAL_LINK:wpl-2026-team-preview] analysis.

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