Mumbai, Maharashtra (UNA) :

The Women’s Premier League (WPL) is heading into its 2026 season on a solid commercial footing, with franchise teams witnessing increased sponsor interest compared to previous editions. Industry executives say India’s triumph in the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup has significantly enhanced the visibility of women’s cricket, encouraging brands across sectors to invest in the league.

Leading franchises such as Delhi Capitals, Mumbai Indians and UP Warriorz have expanded their sponsorship portfolios, onboarding new partners while also securing renewals from existing brands. For many companies, the WPL is now viewed as a mainstream sporting platform rather than a niche tournament, offering strong engagement with younger and more diverse audiences.

Rising commercial participation is expected to benefit fans as well, with improved broadcasts, enhanced matchday experiences and more fan-centric promotional activities. Advertisers are allocating larger budgets to women’s cricket, reflecting growing confidence in viewership numbers and long-term brand value associated with the league.

Experts note that the WPL’s expanding sponsor base signals a broader shift in Indian sports marketing. Women’s cricket is increasingly attracting brands that traditionally focused on men’s leagues, along with new entrants from lifestyle, technology and consumer sectors. The league’s competitive format, star players and strong fan connect have helped bridge the gap between sport and lifestyle branding.

As the 2026 season approaches, stronger commercial backing is expected to translate into better infrastructure, higher prize money and greater professional opportunities for women cricketers. The surge in sponsorship interest underlines how on-field success at the global level can drive sustained economic support at home, strengthening the domestic ecosystem and inspiring the next generation of players and fans.