The WPL will begin its fourth season on January 9, 2026, with defending champions Mumbai Indians (women) up against 2024 champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (women) at DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. The tournament runs till February 5, 2026, and will be played across two cities: Navi Mumbai and Vadodara.
It’s a milestone edition: the first time the WPL final will be scheduled on a weekday, on Thursday, February 5th, to avoid clashing with the men’s T20 World Cup starting the next week.
What’s the format for WPL 2026?
Five teams, namely Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, UP Warriorz, Gujarat Giants, and Delhi Capitals will participate in a double round-robin format.
Top team in the group stage goes directly into the final.
The teams finishing second and third contest an Eliminator with the winner to take on the top team in the final.
The season will feature 22 matches in total.
Where will the matches be held?
The matches will take place at two venues.
- Navi Mumbai (DY Patil Stadium)-hosts the first leg of matches, from January 9 to January 18/19.
- Vadodara (Kotambi Stadium)- will host the second leg including the Eliminator and Final, from late January until February 5.
WPL 2026 Full Schedule Out
| Sr No. | Date | Match / Stage | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jan 9, 2026 | Mumbai Indians vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru — Opener | Navi Mumbai (DY Patil) |
| 2 | Jan 10 | UP Warriorz vs Gujarat Giants | Navi Mumbai |
| 3 | Jan 11 | Gujarat Giants vs Mumbai Indians | Navi Mumbai |
| 4 | Jan 12 | Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs UP Warriorz | Navi Mumbai |
| 5 | Jan 13 | Delhi Capitals vs Gujarat Giants | Navi Mumbai |
| 6 | Jan 14 | Mumbai Indians vs UP Warriorz | Navi Mumbai |
| 7 | Jan 15 | Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Delhi Capitals | Navi Mumbai |
| 8 | Jan 16 | Gujarat Giants vs UP Warriorz | Navi Mumbai |
| 9 | Jan 17 | Mumbai Indians vs Delhi Capitals | Navi Mumbai |
| 10 | Jan 17 | Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Gujarat Giants | Navi Mumbai |
| 11 | Jan 18 | UP Warriorz vs Delhi Capitals | Navi Mumbai |
| 12 | Jan 19 | Gujarat Giants vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru | Vadodara |
| 13 | Jan 20 | Mumbai Indians vs Delhi Capitals | Vadodara |
| 14 | Jan 21 | UP Warriorz vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru | Vadodara |
| 15 | Jan 22 | Gujarat Giants vs Delhi Capitals | Vadodara |
| 16 | Jan 23 | Mumbai Indians vs UP Warriorz | Vadodara |
| 17 | Jan 24 | Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs UP Warriorz | Vadodara |
| 18 | Jan 25 | Gujarat Giants vs Delhi Capitals | Vadodara |
| 19 | Jan 26 | Mumbai Indians vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru | Vadodara |
| 20 | Jan 28 | UP Warriorz vs Gujarat Giants | Vadodara |
| 21 | Jan 29 | Delhi Capitals vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru | Vadodara |
| 22 | Feb 2 | Final Group Match / Last League Match | Vadodara |
| 23 | Feb 3 | Eliminator (2nd vs 3rd place finishers) | Vadodara |
| 24 | Feb 5, 2026 | WPL 2026 Final | Vadodara |
What Makes WPL 2026 Different?
This will also be the first time in their history that a WPL final is scheduled on a weekday to avoid coinciding with the men’s T20 World Cup.
It is the first edition fully running in a January–February window, rather than the usual February–March timings.
With only two venues in Navi Mumbai and Vadodara, this format reduces logistics hassles besides assuring top-class cricket between regions.
With this, the roadmap for WPL 2026 is clear: top teams clashing over 22 matches, two cities, and renewed stakes.
From the opening game in Navi Mumbai to the grand finale in Vadodara, the fans have almost a month of high-octane women’s cricket to look ahead to.
