Women's Premier League (WPL) Explained: India's Women's T20 Franchise Cricket
An overview of the Women's Premier League (WPL) — India's women's T20 franchise competition launched in 2023, its five teams, how it compares to the WBBL, and why it represents the most significant investment in women's cricket outside the WBBL.
The Women's Premier League (WPL) is India's women's T20 franchise cricket competition, launched in March 2023 by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Modelled on the IPL, it features five franchise teams: Mumbai Indians, Delhi Capitals, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Gujarat Giants, and UP Warriorz. The WPL immediately became the richest women's cricket competition in the world — the five franchises were sold for a combined ₹4,669 crore ($563 million), and player auction prices for overseas stars (Sophie Ecclestone, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry) reached unprecedented levels for women's cricket.
Why the WPL Matters
The WPL's significance goes beyond the franchise sales price and player salaries. It represents: (1) The largest investment in women's cricket by the world's most powerful cricket board (BCCI). (2) A domestic T20 platform for India's domestic women's players that previously had limited professional exposure. (3) A global showcase that attracted the best women's cricketers from Australia, England, West Indies, and South Africa. (4) Broadcast exposure (Star Sports / Disney+ Hotstar) that reaches hundreds of millions of potential women's cricket fans in India. The WBBL (Australia's equivalent) was previously the world's benchmark women's franchise competition; the WPL's arrival shifts that balance significantly.
Player Auction Records
The first WPL auction (January 2023) set world records for women's cricket player fees. Smriti Mandhana (India) went for the highest price of any player in the inaugural auction. Overseas players including Sophie Ecclestone (England, sold to UP Warriorz), Nat Sciver-Brunt (England), Beth Mooney (Australia), and Ellyse Perry (Australia) received fees that were 10–20 times higher than comparable women's cricket contracts outside India. These prices reflect not just the players' quality but the BCCI's assessment of their broadcast value in India — where the WPL is selling advertising against a potentially enormous audience.
WPL vs WBBL
The Women's Big Bash League (WBBL) — launched in Australia in 2015 — was the world's benchmark women's franchise competition before the WPL's arrival: full professional contracts, broadcast deals, and consistent strong viewing figures. The WBBL has eight teams and a longer season (typically 14 round-robin games plus finals); the WPL has five teams in a shorter season. In terms of player salaries and broadcast revenue, the WPL has exceeded the WBBL since its first season. However, the WBBL's longer history (a decade of seasons vs three), deeper talent pool (Australian state system), and consistent crowd attendance make it a mature competition alongside the WPL's newer model.
Frequently asked questions
When was the Women's Premier League (WPL) started?
March 2023 — the inaugural season was played in Mumbai. Mumbai Indians won the first title. The WPL was launched by the BCCI after the board sold five franchise licences for a combined ₹4,669 crore ($563 million), immediately making it the most commercially significant women's cricket competition in the world.
Which teams are in the WPL?
Five teams: Mumbai Indians, Delhi Capitals, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Gujarat Giants, and UP Warriorz. All five franchises are owned by established Indian cricket or sports investment groups; Mumbai Indians, Delhi Capitals, and Royal Challengers Bengaluru share names and ownership with their IPL equivalents.
How does the WPL compare to the WBBL?
WPL: higher player salaries, bigger broadcast deal (Star Sports/Disney+ Hotstar India), shorter season (5 teams, fewer games). WBBL: longer history (since 2015), eight teams, longer season, more established crowd attendance, and the Australian talent pipeline from state cricket. Both are now considered the top two women's cricket franchise competitions globally.