The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Saturday unveiled the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 schedule, confirming that Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will play their first match of the season against Mumbai Indians, the two-time champions, on January 9 at DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. The announcement follows the recent mega auction in New Delhi, which reshaped squads across the six franchises. The initial phase in Navi Mumbai will run from January 9 to 17, hosting 11 matches, including the highly anticipated RCB opener. The tournament then shifts to Vadodara for the remaining 11 matches, including the playoffs, with the Gujarat Giants kicking off the Vadodara leg against RCB. A rematch of the 2025 final between Delhi Capitals and Mumbai Indians is also scheduled. WPL 2026 is set to conclude with the final on February 5 at Kotambi Stadium, a weekday slot that reflects a new scheduling approach. Read also: RCB Captain Rajat Patidar Declared Fit; Comeback Date for Major Tournament Revealed Structure and key dates of WPL 2026 The league stage ends on February 1. The Eliminator between the second and third-placed teams will be held on February 3, while the table topper advances directly to the final on February 5. WPL 2026 avoids major international clashes, with the Under-19 men’s World Cup beginning February 6 and the men’s T20 World Cup on February 7. Mumbai Indians enter as defending champions, while RCB remain the only other franchise to lift the WPL trophy. Delhi Capitals have finished runners-up thrice, and Gujarat Giants and UP Warriorz are yet to reach a final. Secretary Devajit Saikia noted that the season will showcase young Indian talents alongside established international players. With high-intensity cricket and newly strengthened squads, WPL 2026 promises a competitive and tightly scheduled tournament that sets the stage for India’s subsequent tour of Australia from February 15 to March 9. Schedule for WPL 2026 Navi Mumbai leg Date Match Jan 9 Mumbai Indians vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru Jan 10 UP Warriorz vs Gujarat Giants Jan 10 Mumbai Indians vs Delhi Capitals Jan 11 Delhi Capitals vs Gujarat Giants Jan 12 Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs UP Warriorz Jan 13 Mumbai Indians vs Gujarat Giants Jan 14 UP Warriorz vs Delhi Capitals Jan 15 Mumbai Indians vs UP Warriorz Jan 16 Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Gujarat Giants Jan 17 UP Warriorz vs Mumbai Indians Jan 17 Delhi Capitals vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru Vadodara Leg Date Match Jan 19 Gujarat Giants vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru Jan 20 Delhi Capitals vs Mumbai Indians Jan 22 Gujarat Giants vs UP Warriorz Jan 24 Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Delhi Capitals Jan 26 Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Mumbai Indians Jan 27 Gujarat Giants vs Delhi Capitals Jan 29 UP Warriorz vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru Jan 30 Gujarat Giants vs Mumbai Indians Feb 1 Delhi Capitals vs UP Warriorz Feb 3 Eliminator Feb 5 Final