The Women’s Premier League (WPL) has become the world’s most valuable women’s cricket league. The BCCI launched this franchise-based T20 tournament in 2023. Within just three seasons, it has changed the face of women’s cricket in India and around the globe.
The WPL ecosystem is now valued at approximately ₹1,275 crore (~$150 million). The BCCI earned a record sum of ₹4,669.99 crore (~$572 million) from the sale of five franchise teams in 2023. This figure exceeded the combined value of the first IPL franchise auction in 2008 when adjusted for inflation.
Gujarat Giants hold the highest acquisition price at ₹1,289 crore. Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bengaluru follow closely behind. Strong media rights deals worth ₹951 crore, growing sponsorship revenue, and rising viewership make WPL one of cricket’s fastest-growing properties.
This article breaks down the net worth of each WPL franchise as of 2026.
How Much Is The WPL Worth As Of 2026?
This section gives a factual snapshot of the Women’s Premier League’s financial strength as of January 2026. It highlights the WPL’s total ecosystem valuation, franchise sale value, and key growth metrics.
| Metric | Valuation / Insight |
|---|---|
| Total WPL Ecosystem Valuation | ₹1,275 crore (~$150 million) |
| Total Franchise Sale Value (2023) | ₹4,669.99 crore (~$572 million) |
| Media Rights Value (5 years) | ₹951 crore (~$116 million) |
| Most Expensive Franchise | Gujarat Giants (₹1,289 crore) |
| TV Viewership Growth (2025) | 142% Year-on-Year Increase |
| Number of Advertisers (2025) | 70+ Brands |
The WPL has proven that women’s cricket is no longer an experiment. It is now a serious commercial platform that attracts major brands and millions of viewers.
Where Does WPL Revenue Come From?
The WPL generates revenue through several streams. Media rights form the largest chunk. Viacom 18 (now JioStar after the merger) holds the broadcast rights for ₹951 crore over five years (2023-2027). This covers TV and digital streaming across India.
- Sponsorships: Title sponsor Tata Group, along with partners such as CEAT, Herbalife, Sintex, ChatGPT, Kingfisher, and Bisleri, generate significant revenue. Over 70 brands participated in WPL broadcasts in 2025.
- Ticket Sales: Packed stadiums across Mumbai, Bengaluru, Lucknow, and Vadodara generate matchday income.
- Franchise Fees: Teams paid a combined ₹4,669.99 crore for ownership rights. The BCCI distributes 80% of its profits to franchise owners over the first five years.
- Player Auctions: The mega auction and retention process draws attention and generates commercial activity for the league.
- Digital Content: Streaming on JioHotstar, highlights, and social media engagement extend global reach. Digital viewership grew 70% in the opening game of WPL 2025.
These multiple income streams make WPL one of the most commercially successful women’s sports leagues worldwide.
WPL Team-Wise Net Worth: Which Franchise Paid The Most?
Gujarat Giants top the WPL team acquisition list with a price tag of ₹1,289 crore. The Adani Group showed immense confidence in women’s cricket by placing the highest bid during the franchise auction in January 2023.
The table below shows the acquisition prices for all WPL franchises, based on official BCCI auction data.
| Rank | WPL Franchise | Acquisition Price | Owner |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gujarat Giants (GG) | ₹1,289 crore | Adani Sportsline |
| 2 | Mumbai Indians (MI) | ₹912.99 crore | Reliance Industries |
| 3 | Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) | ₹901 crore | United Spirits (Diageo) |
| 4 | Delhi Capitals (DC) | ₹810 crore | JSW & GMR Group |
| 5 | UP Warriorz (UPW) | ₹757 crore | Capri Global |
The combined franchise value of ₹4,669.99 crore made WPL the second-highest valued cricket league at launch. Only the IPL stands above it.
1. Gujarat Giants (GG) – Adani Sportsline
Adani Sportsline owns the Gujarat Giants. They acquired the Ahmedabad-based franchise for ₹1,289 crore in the 2023 auction. This is the highest amount any owner has paid for a WPL team.
The team plays home matches at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Beth Mooney (Australia) and Ashleigh Gardner (Australia) are among their key players. Gardner, retained at ₹3.5 crore, is one of the highest-paid players in WPL history.
Gujarat Giants reached the playoffs in WPL 2025 but have yet to win the title. The franchise invests heavily in both local and overseas talent to build a competitive squad.
2. Mumbai Indians (MI) – Reliance Industries
Reliance Industries owns the Mumbai Indians women’s team through Indiawin Sports. Mukesh Ambani’s company paid ₹912.99 crore to secure the franchise in 2023.
Mumbai Indians have won 2 WPL titles (2023 and 2025). Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur leads the team. Star players like Nat Sciver-Brunt (England) and Amelia Kerr (New Zealand) add international quality to the squad.
The franchise benefits from the massive MI brand built through IPL success. Their strong fan base and marketing reach make them among the most-followed WPL teams on social media.
3. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) – United Spirits (Diageo)
United Spirits Limited, part of global giant Diageo, owns RCB Women. They acquired the franchise for ₹901 crore. Smriti Mandhana leads the team as captain.
RCB won the WPL 2024 title under Mandhana’s leadership. The team defeated Delhi Capitals in the final. Mandhana, retained at ₹3.5 crore, is the league’s most marketable player with endorsements from Herbalife, Hyundai, and ICICI Bank.
RCB enjoys one of the largest fan bases in Indian cricket. Their passionate supporters, known as the RCB Army, give them a commercial advantage through merchandise sales and digital engagement.
4. Delhi Capitals (DC) – JSW & GMR Group
JSW Group and GMR Group jointly own the Delhi Capitals women’s team. They paid ₹810 crore for the franchise. Parth Jindal (JSW) and Kiran Kumar Grandhi (GMR) manage the team.
Delhi Capitals have reached three consecutive WPL finals (2023, 2024, 2025) but lost all three. Shafali Verma and Jemimah Rodrigues are their key Indian players, both retained at ₹2.2 crore each.
Despite not winning a title yet, Delhi Capitals remain strong contenders. Their consistent playoff performances show good team-building and management.
5. UP Warriorz (UPW) – Capri Global
Capri Global, an Indian investment company, owns UP Warriorz. Rajesh Sharma, the founder of Capri Global, serves as managing director. They paid ₹757 crore for the Lucknow-based franchise.
UP Warriorz bought Deepti Sharma for ₹3.20 crore at the WPL 2026 mega auction. She became the most expensive player of that auction. Sophie Ecclestone (England) adds world-class spin bowling to their lineup.
UP Warriorz play home matches at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. The team is building a strong squad and aims to reach the playoffs in WPL 2026.
Top 5 Highest-Paid WPL Players As of 2026
The table below lists the top 5 highest-paid WPL players for 2026 with their teams and salaries.
| Rank | Player | Team (2026) | Salary | Country |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Smriti Mandhana | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | ₹3.50 Cr | India |
| 2 | Nat Sciver-Brunt | Mumbai Indians | ₹3.50 Cr | England |
| 3 | Ashleigh Gardner | Gujarat Giants | ₹3.50 Cr | Australia |
| 4 | Deepti Sharma | UP Warriorz | ₹3.20 Cr | India |
| 5 | Amelia Kerr | Mumbai Indians | ₹3.00 Cr | New Zealand |
Smriti Mandhana leads the list as the highest-paid Indian player. Her ₹3.5 crore retention deal reflects her status as the face of Indian women’s cricket. She has brand partnerships with major companies and remains the most marketable female cricketer in the country.
Nat Sciver-Brunt and Ashleigh Gardner, both retained at ₹3.5 crore, share the top spot. These world-class all-rounders bring match-winning abilities to their respective teams.
Deepti Sharma, the Player of the Tournament in the 2025 ICC Women’s World Cup, commanded ₹3.20 crore at the WPL 2026 mega auction. Her all-round skills make her one of the most sought-after players in women’s cricket.
Conclusion: WPL Has Transformed Women’s Cricket Into A Major Commercial League
WPL franchise acquisition values show how seriously investors view women’s cricket today. Gujarat Giants’ ₹1,289 crore price tag proves that women’s sports can attract billion-rupee investments.
Mumbai Indians lead the title count with 2 championships in 3 seasons. Their success on the field matches their commercial strength off it. RCB’s loyal fan base and Delhi Capitals’ consistent appearances in the finals add to the league’s competitive appeal.
Player salaries have grown rapidly. Smriti Mandhana’s ₹3.5 crore deal sets a new benchmark. These earnings now rival or exceed salaries in many established men’s cricket leagues worldwide.
With growing viewership (142% increase in TV ratings), more sponsors (70+ brands), and rising digital engagement, WPL is firmly positioned as the world’s most valuable women’s T20 cricket league.
FAQs
The WPL ecosystem is valued at approximately ₹1,275 crore (~$150 million) in 2025. The total franchise sale value at launch was ₹4,669.99 crore (~$572 million).
Gujarat Giants paid the highest price at ₹1,289 crore. The Adani Group acquired the Ahmedabad-based franchise in January 2023.
Smriti Mandhana, Nat Sciver-Brunt, and Ashleigh Gardner share the top spot at ₹3.5 crore each for the 2026 season.
Mumbai Indians have won 2 WPL titles (2023 and 2025), making them the most successful franchise in the league.
Viacom 18 (now JioStar) bought the WPL media rights for ₹951 crore (~$116 million) for a five-year period from 2023 to 2027.
