The anticipation for the fourth edition of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 is at an all-time high as the tournament gears up for a spectacular launch on January 9 in Navi Mumbai.
WPL 2026 set for a grand opening
The league, which has rapidly gained popularity as a premier competition in women’s T20 cricket, promises an electrifying season filled with intense matches, high-profile players, and grand entertainment. The inaugural match will feature a highly anticipated showdown between defending champions Mumbai Indians (MI) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, setting the stage for an action-packed month of cricket.
With five teams set to battle it out across two venues, WPL 2026 will showcase top-tier talent and bring fans closer to the action. The tournament, spanning from January 9 to February 5, will travel across two key Indian hubs. The strategic shift in venues aims to deepen the league’s reach and foster growing enthusiasm for women’s cricket in India.
WPL 2026: A two-city cricketing extravaganza culminating in Vadodara
The journey of WPL 2026 will commence in Navi Mumbai, where the first 11 matches of the tournament will take place. The caravan will then travel to Vadodara, another vibrant cricketing hub, for the remaining league matches and the high-stakes knockout rounds. The Kotambi Stadium (Baroda Cricket Association Stadium) in Vadodara has been selected to host the crucial Eliminator match on February 3. The grand finale, scheduled for February 5, will also be held at Kotambi Stadium, marking a shift from previous seasons by concluding the tournament in Gujarat. This move reflects a concerted effort to celebrate the sport in regional heartlands while maintaining elite playing conditions.
Also READ: Not just RCB! Richa Ghosh picks another franchise capable of winning WPL 2026
WPL 2026 opening ceremony: Yo Yo Honey Singh, Jacqueline Fernandez and Harnaaz Sandhu
WPL 2026 is elevating its entertainment quotient with a star-studded opening ceremony designed to celebrate the spirit of women in sport. The ceremony will take place as a pre-match spectacle on January 9, starting at 6:45 PM IST.
1. Music sensation Yo Yo Honey Singh is set to take center stage, bringing his high-energy beats to the DY Patil Stadium. His performance is expected to set a pulsating tone for the season, blending hip-hop and pop with the thrill of T20 cricket.
When the beat drops, history begins. 🎤🔥
Yo Yo Honey Singh takes centre stage at the TATA WPL 2026 Pre Match Entertainment – setting the tone for an electrifying season! 🙌
📍 DY Patil Stadium | 🗓 9th January#TATAWPL | #MIvRCB | #KhelEmotionKa | @asliyoyo pic.twitter.com/9eAh6wX69H
— Women’s Premier League (WPL) (@wplt20) January 7, 2026
2. Joining the musical frenzy, Bollywood star Jacqueline Fernandez will deliver a vibrant dance performance that honors the unstoppable rise of women in sport, adding a touch of glamour and grace to the evening.
This stage celebrates more than sport, it celebrates women ✨
The #TATAWPL Opening Day comes alive with a Pre-Match performance by Jacqueline Fernandez that honours confidence, courage, and the unstoppable rise of women in sport. #KhelEmotionKa | #MIvRCB | @Asli_Jacqueline pic.twitter.com/Jrk7Ph9REs
— Women’s Premier League (WPL) (@wplt20) January 7, 2026
3. Furthermore, Miss Universe 2021 Harnaaz Sandhu will open the season with a powerful narrative. Her speech will focus on confidence, courage, and empowerment, inspiring both players and fans alike. Together, these performers ensure that WPL 2026 is not just a sporting event, but a cultural celebration.
A voice that inspires. A narrative that empowers. ✨
Harnaaz Sandhu opens #TATAWPL – Season 4 with a powerful narrative celebrating confidence, courage, and the unstoppable rise of women in sport.
📍 DY Patil Stadium
🗓 9th January #MIvRCB | #KhelEmotionKa | @HarnaazKaur pic.twitter.com/2M4LMdKy3i— Women’s Premier League (WPL) (@wplt20) January 8, 2026
Broadcast and Live Streaming Details
With the increasing commercial pull of women’s cricket, WPL 2026 will reach a massive global audience through extensive coverage. Fans in India can catch the live telecast on the Star Sports Network, which has secured the broadcasting rights for this edition. For those preferring digital platforms, the matches will be available for live streaming on JioHotstar (via the app and website). With multiple viewing options and a lineup of world-class performers, WPL 2026 is poised to be the most accessible and entertaining edition to date.
Also READ: Aakash Chopra predicts the winner and Orange Cap holder for WPL 2026 edition
This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
