Tata WPL 2026 smashes records on JioStar

MUMBAI: The 2026 edition of the Tata WPL has rewritten the record books, emerging as the most-watched season ever across digital and television platforms. Royal Challengers Bengaluru clinched their second title on 5 February, while fans tuned in in unprecedented numbers, proving women’s cricket is no longer just a summer fling for audiences.

Digital consumption skyrocketed with a 17 per cent growth in viewers over the 2025 season, and a staggering 69 per cent jump in content consumed. On Connected TV, reach climbed 37 per cent, while the final doubled its viewership compared with last year’s summit clash between Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals.

Linear TV ratings also hit new highs, up 29 per cent over the previous edition, with viewers clocking a record 34.5 billion minutes across all screens, marking an 11 per cent increase from last year. The showstopper final between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Delhi Capitals became the most-watched women’s T20 game ever, with a 60 per cent rise in consumption. On digital, it doubled its reach, and TV ratings surged by 74 per cent.

JioStar head of sales – sports Anup Govindan said, “Women’s cricket is evolving into a powerhouse of its own. The Tata WPL 2026 has taken this momentum to new heights, showing that fans are not just watching, they are fully invested. With the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup coming up, the sport is set to grow even further.”

Fans have more to look forward to this June as Harmanpreet Kaur’s Women in Blue tour England and Wales chasing India’s first T20 World Cup, following their multi-format series in Australia where they played three T20Is, three ODIs, and one Test.

The WPL has proven that women’s cricket is not just a highlight, it is the headline act.