WPL Season 4 set to kick off in first week of January

Season 4 of the Women's Premier League (WPL) will commence in the first week of January. The 2026 edition of the WPL is likely to begin on January 6 or 8.

The date of the final is not clear, but with only 22 games in the league, the BCCI is unlikely to need more than 26-27 days, which means the tournament should end by early February.

Venues are still undecided. It remains to be seen whether the BCCI will spread the league across more centres than last year. After staging the entire first season in Mumbai, the second season was played in Bengaluru and Delhi. Last season, the matches were held in Baroda, Bengaluru, Lucknow and Mumbai.

The most eagerly awaited decision from the BCCI is about the auction – and it is not only about the date, venue and salary cap, but also the size. With three seasons completed, there may be a decision to hold a mega-auction, similar to the IPL. At this stage, opinion is divided on whether or not there should be a mega-auction.

The five franchises – Mumbai Indians, Delhi Capitals, UP Warriorz, Gujarat Giants and Royal Challengers Bengaluru – are the competing sides. Mumbai Indians are the two-time winners and defending champions, while RCB won the second season.