WCPL 2026 Fixtures Announced as Jamaica Empress Join Expanded Tournament

The Women’s Caribbean Premier League (WCPL) has unveiled the fixtures for its 2026 season, marking the start of a new chapter for women’s cricket in the region. With the introduction of Jamaica Empress and a refreshed vision aimed at celebrating Caribbean women, the tournament is set to deliver its biggest and most impactful edition yet.

The 2026 WCPL will take place entirely at Kensington Oval in Barbados from September 5 to 17. Four franchises will compete for the title — Barbados Tridents (previously Barbados Royals), Guyana Amazon Warriors, Jamaica Empress and Trinbago Knight Riders.

The addition of the Jamaica Empress expands the tournament to four teams for the first time and reflects the league’s growing commitment to showcasing female talent across the Caribbean. Organisers say the competition has been reimagined to become more than just a cricket tournament, evolving into a platform that amplifies the voices and achievements of Caribbean women.

At the heart of the revamped WCPL is a mission to place women at the centre stage and inspire the next generation of athletes. The tournament’s refreshed identity is built around three core values — empowerment, the will to win and close community. These themes will be brought to life through the league’s new creative campaign, “She’s In”, which will be promoted across female-focused social media channels throughout the region.

The rebranded Barbados Tridents, previously known as Barbados Royals, will enter the tournament with an impressive legacy. The franchise has dominated the competition in recent years, winning three consecutive WCPL titles from 2023 to 2025, establishing itself as the benchmark in Caribbean women’s franchise cricket.

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Organisers are also placing a strong emphasis on community engagement. Every WCPL matchday will feature a festival atmosphere, with dedicated children’s activity zones, cricket skills clinics, health and wellness initiatives, and opportunities for local female entrepreneurs to showcase their products and services.

The goal is to create an inclusive environment where women and girls can engage with the sport, build connections and find inspiration both on and off the field. “The WCPL is about much more than what happens on the field,” said WCPL CEO Pete Russell. “We are creating a platform where women can be celebrated, communities can come together, and young girls can see clear pathways to success in sport and beyond.”

West Indies and Barbados Royals winning captain Hayley Matthews highlighted the tournament’s wider influence across the Caribbean. “I’ve seen firsthand the impact of WCPL on women across the region,” Matthews said. “It’s powerful and far-reaching. It illuminates the potential in every girl, giving them not just visibility, but something to believe in and a dream to chase.”

Looking beyond the upcoming season, the WCPL has already set its sights on global expansion. Tournament organisers revealed plans to welcome teams from outside the Caribbean from 2027 onwards, with the long-term objective of establishing the competition as a leading international women’s franchise league.