The Women’s Caribbean Premier League (WCPL) will expand from three to four teams in the 2026 season, representing a significant milestone in the development of women’s cricket in the Caribbean. Jamaica Empress will join the existing franchises—Barbados Royals, Guyana Amazon Warriors, and Trinbago Knight Riders—as the fourth team in the competition.

The 2026 tournament will take place entirely in Barbados from September 5 to 17. Under the updated format, teams will compete in a round-robin stage, with each side facing the others once. The top team in the standings will secure a direct spot in the final, while the second and third-placed teams will clash in a playoff for the remaining finalist position.

Defending champions Barbados Royals will aim to extend their dominance, having secured three consecutive titles in 2023, 2024, and 2025. Their consistent success has made them the most decorated team in WCPL history. Trinbago Knight Riders, the only other team to win the tournament, remain the reigning champions of the 2022 inaugural season.

The inclusion of Jamaica Empress underscores Cricket West Indies’ efforts to broaden opportunities for female athletes across the region. The WCPL’s statement also suggests potential future expansions, hinting at plans to welcome international teams and elevate the league’s global stature beyond 2027.

“Looking ahead to 2027, the WCPL is preparing to take the next step in its evolution, with plans to welcome teams from outside the Caribbean and establish the tournament as a truly global competition,” said the WCPL as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

WCPL 2026 Fixture Schedule

Date
Match

September 5, 2026
Barbados Royals vs Trinbago Knight Riders

September 6, 2026
Jamaica Empress vs Guyana Amazon Warriors

September 10, 2026
Trinbago Knight Riders vs Jamaica Empress

September 12, 2026
Trinbago Knight Riders vs Guyana Amazon Warriors

September 12, 2026
Barbados Royals vs Jamaica Empress

September 13, 2026
Guyana Amazon Warriors vs Barbados Royals

September 16, 2026
Playoff – 2nd vs 3rd

September 17, 2026
Final

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