Women's Premier League (WPL): India's Women's T20 Franchise Competition
How India's Women's Premier League works — teams, format, broadcast deals, and why the WPL is transforming opportunities for women's cricket in India and globally.
The Women's Premier League (WPL) is India's women's T20 franchise competition, launched in 2023 by the BCCI. Modelled on the IPL, with five city-based franchises, the WPL represents the largest single investment in women's cricket by any cricket board globally.
Background and Launch
The BCCI announced the WPL in December 2022. The five franchise rights were sold in January 2023 for a combined ₹4,669 crore — significantly exceeding expectations. This placed women's cricket franchises in India at valuations comparable to some men's franchises globally. The first season began in March 2023.
Teams
- Mumbai Indians Women (MI Women) — owned by Mumbai Indians
- Delhi Capitals Women — owned by Delhi Capitals
- Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women (RCB Women) — owned by RCB
- Gujarat Giants — new franchise
- UP Warriorz — new franchise
Format
The WPL follows a round-robin group stage followed by semi-finals and a final. Each team plays the others twice (home and away) before the playoffs. The competition runs in March (before the IPL season starts), utilising major Indian cricket grounds when possible.
Player Salaries and Auction
The WPL uses an auction model. Players were auctioned with base prices and franchises bid openly. Smriti Mandhana was the most expensive player in the inaugural auction (₹3.4 crore). Overseas players including Ellyse Perry, Beth Mooney, Nat Sciver-Brunt, and others have participated, bringing international quality to the competition.
Frequently asked questions
When was the WPL launched?
The Women's Premier League (WPL) was launched by the BCCI in 2023, with the first season held in March 2023. Franchise rights were sold in January 2023 for a combined ₹4,669 crore — far exceeding initial estimates.
How many teams are in the WPL?
The WPL has five teams: Mumbai Indians Women, Delhi Capitals Women, Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women, Gujarat Giants, and UP Warriorz.
Who won the first WPL?
Mumbai Indians Women won the inaugural WPL title in 2023, defeating Delhi Capitals Women in the final. RCB Women won the 2024 title.