The Women’s Premier League (WPL) is set for its first expansion since launching in 2023, with BCCI confirming plans to add a sixth franchise. Delhi Capitals co-owner Parth Jindal officially confirmed the development during the WPL 2026 mega auction, hinting that iconic IPL brands like Chennai Super Kings (CSK) or Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) could soon enter women’s cricket’s premier tournament.
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Current WPL Teams & Ownership
| Team | City | Home Ground | Debut | Owners |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi Capitals | New Delhi | Arun Jaitley Stadium | 2023 | JSW & GMR Groups |
| Gujarat Giants | Vadodara | BCA Stadium | 2023 | Adani Group |
| Mumbai Indians | Mumbai | Wankhede Stadium | 2023 | Reliance Industries |
| Royal Challengers Bengaluru | Bengaluru | M. Chinnaswamy Stadium | 2023 | United Spirits (Diageo) |
| UP Warriorz | Lucknow | Ekana Cricket Stadium | 2023 | Capri Global |
Why WPL Expansion Makes Sense
When BCCI launched the WPL in 2023 with five teams, critics questioned why only half of the IPL’s ten franchises participated. The board defended the decision, citing women’s cricket’s developmental stage and the need for quality over quantity.
However, the WPL’s phenomenal success over two seasons has changed the equation. Record viewership, sold-out stadiums, and increasing player valuations—exemplified by Deepti Sharma’s ₹3.2 crore deal—demonstrate that women’s cricket is ready for expansion.
Key Success Indicators:
- Broadcast viewership surpassing expectations
- Stadium attendance averaging 15,000+ per match
- Rising player auction prices approaching men’s cricket levels
- Growing sponsor interest and commercial viability
- Development of domestic talent pipeline
What Parth Jindal Revealed
Speaking at the WPL 2026 auction venue in Delhi, Jindal confirmed BCCI’s expansion plans while explaining the current short tournament cycle:
“I am sure BCCI will be adding one more team in the WPL. The home and away format is ideal. BCCI will look into it once they get more teams in. That’s why they have kept this WPL cycle so short.”
Currently, WPL features just 22 matches over approximately one month, played at centralized venues. For 2026, Navi Mumbai and Vadodara have been shortlisted as hosts. Jindal indicated that once the sixth team joins, WPL will adopt the home-and-away format similar to the IPL, significantly increasing match count and revenue opportunities.
Potential 6th Franchise Contenders
Three WPL teams already have IPL connections (Delhi Capitals, Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bengaluru). The expansion opens doors for remaining IPL powerhouses:
Top Contenders:
Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
- India’s most valuable cricket brand
- Massive fan base across South India
- MS Dhoni’s legacy could attract top talent
- Strong infrastructure in Chennai
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
- Three-time IPL champions (2012, 2014, 2024)
- Strategic ownership under Shah Rukh Khan’s Red Chillies Entertainment
- Already successful in Caribbean Premier League expansion
- Strong Bengali cricket culture
Rajasthan Royals (RR)
- 2008 IPL champions
- Established women’s cricket development programs
- Jaipur’s emerging cricket market
- Progressive ownership approach
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)
- Strong Telugu cricket market
- Modern infrastructure at Uppal Stadium
- Aggressive auction strategies
- Growing women’s cricket interest in Hyderabad
Punjab Kings (PBKS)
- Untapped North Indian market
- Mohali’s excellent facilities
- Potential to develop regional talent
Impact of Expansion
More Matches: Expect 30-35 league matches instead of current 22, providing more opportunities for players and entertainment for fans.
Home & Away Format: True home advantage will create authentic local fan bases and reduce centralized venue fatigue.
Increased Revenue: Additional franchise means higher media rights, sponsorships, and ticket sales.
Player Opportunities: More roster spots for domestic and international cricketers, accelerating women’s cricket development.
Regional Representation: Better geographical diversity enhancing the league’s national character.
Timeline & What’s Next
While BCCI hasn’t announced official bidding timelines, expansion is expected before WPL 2027. The board will likely release an Invitation to Tender (ITT) outlining ownership requirements, base prices, and operational guidelines.
Given WPL’s media rights were sold for ₹951 crore for five years, the sixth franchise could command a premium price, potentially exceeding ₹1,000 crore base value.
For more WPL updates, visit our Women’s Cricket Section and explore WPL 2026 Coverage. Stay informed with official announcements at BCCI Women’s Cricket.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: When will BCCI add a 6th team to WPL?
While BCCI hasn’t announced an exact timeline, Delhi Capitals co-owner Parth Jindal confirmed at the WPL 2026 auction that BCCI will add one more team. Expansion is expected before WPL 2027, with the new franchise likely announced after evaluating the 2026 season’s success and infrastructure readiness.
Q2: Which IPL teams are likely to join WPL as the 6th franchise?
The most likely contenders are Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Rajasthan Royals, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Punjab Kings. CSK and KKR are considered frontrunners due to their massive fan bases, successful IPL track records, and strong cricket infrastructure in their respective cities.
