WPL 2027: Schedule, Teams, Auction & Everything About the Women's Premier League
Four seasons in, the Women's Premier League has graduated from being the little sister of the IPL to being a standalone event in its own right. This year's final saw a 204-run chase, completed with two balls to spare, in front of a raucous crowd in Vadodara. The Royal Challengers Bengaluru reclaimed the WPL title, and the tournament enters its fifth season – due to begin in January-February 2027 – with a healthy rivalry at the top and expansion speculation in the air.
There is nothing set in stone yet for the WPL 2027, but what is known, expected, and happened last season, is below. This page will be updated as and when the BCCI shares more information.
WPL 2027: The Basics
| Expected season window | January – February 2027 (TBC) |
| Expected auction | Late November – December 2026 (Mini auction) |
| Teams | 5 (Expansion to 6 under consideration) |
| Defending champions | Royal Challengers Bengaluru (2nd title) |
| Format | T20, double round-robin + Eliminator + Final |
What Happened in WPL 2026
The best final the WPL has seen so far. Delhi Capitals posted 203 for 4 batting first at Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara on 5 February, and were set for a historic first title. They were confident, because no team had ever chased down a total that big in the WPL. Until Royal Challengers Bengaluru came out to bat, with Smriti Mandhana (87 off 41 balls) and Georgia Voll (79 off 54) putting on 165 together. RCB set the record for the highest successful chase in WPL history, with two balls remaining, and won by six wickets.
WPL Teams: All Five Franchises
| Team | Titles | The Short Version |
|---|---|---|
| Royal Challengers Bengaluru | 2 (2024, 2026) | Champions; Mandhana's side, and the league's biggest fanbase |
| Mumbai Indians | 2 (2023, 2025) | The other superpower; Harmanpreet's team, never miss the playoffs |
| Delhi Capitals | 0 | Four finals, four defeats – the WPL's nearly team |
| Gujarat Giants | 0 | Perennial rebuilders, still hunting a first playoff run |
| UP Warriorz | 0 | Young core, big-hitting identity, inconsistent results |
WPL 2027 Auction: What to Expect
As the 2026 season was the result of a mega-auction (which took place in late November 2025), the 2027 season is expected to see a mini-auction with teams retaining the core of their 2026 squads. With three to five slots opening up for each team and the purse expected to increase slightly, mini-auctions are known to see the highest player prices, as franchises bid big for the few available overseas names. The mini-auction can be expected to take place in late November to early December 2026.
Will the WPL Expand in 2027?
The question on everyone's lips. There have been reports linking a sixth franchise to Chennai, Kolkata and Rajasthan, and if expansion does take place, a shift towards a home-and-away system like the IPL's becomes far more likely. Nothing is set in stone yet, and the BCCI has a reputation for keeping important announcements until the last minute.
WPL 2027: FAQs
When does WPL 2027 start?
The expected WPL season is January-February 2027, according to the pattern set by the previous editions. The BCCI has yet to ratify the official WPL date.
Who won WPL 2026?
Royal Challengers Bengaluru, who chased a record-breaking 204 against Delhi Capitals in the final. Smriti Mandhana scored 87 off 41 balls to set the foundations for RCB's six-wicket win.
Which team has won the most WPL titles?
The Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bengaluru have both won two WPL titles. Delhi Capitals have made it to the finals four times and lost every time.