The roar of the crowd, the crack of the bat, and the sheer brilliance of women’s cricket are back! The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 has officially kicked off, and if you’re a cricket fan in India, you’re likely asking the most important question: “Where can I watch WPL 2026 live for free?”
With the landscape of Indian sports broadcasting shifting—most notably with the high-profile merger forming JioHotstar—finding the right platform can feel like navigating a complex maze. Don’t worry; we’ve done the research for you. Whether you want to stream it on your phone during a commute or watch it on the big screen at home, here is your ultimate guide to catching every boundary and wicket of WPL 2026.
The Big Switch: Where is WPL 2026 Streaming?
In previous years, fans were accustomed to JioCinema for free IPL and WPL streaming. However, 2026 brings a significant change. Following the strategic merger between Reliance (Viacom18) and Disney Star, the digital home for the Women’s Premier League is now the JioHotstar app and website.
Is WPL 2026 Free on JioHotstar?
Unlike previous seasons where the WPL was entirely free-to-air on JioCinema for everyone, WPL 2026 on JioHotstar generally requires a subscription. However, there are several clever “hacks” and official methods to watch it for free (or at no extra cost) that we’ve detailed below.
How to Watch WPL 2026 Live for Free in India
If you aren’t looking to pay for a premium subscription, here are the most effective ways to watch the matches:
1. Jio Prepaid & Postpaid Bundles (The “Almost Free” Method)
Jio has integrated JioHotstar subscriptions into many of its popular recharge plans. If you are already a Jio user, you might already have access or can get it by choosing a specific recharge.
| Plan Type | Price | Key Benefit | WPL Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly | ₹349 | 2GB/Day + Unlimited 5G | Included |
| Quarterly | ₹859 | 2GB/Day + Unlimited 5G | Included |
| Annual | ₹3999 | 2.5GB/Day + 365 Days | Included |
| Data Add-on | ₹100 | 5GB Data (One-time) | Included |
Pro Tip: If you don’t want to change your main plan, the ₹100 or ₹195 Data Add-on is the cheapest way to “buy” a WPL ticket for your phone!
2. The JioNet / Public Wi-Fi Strategy
In many major cities and stadiums, Jio provides high-speed public Wi-Fi. Often, users connected to these networks can access certain “Free-to-View” segments or highlights on the JioHotstar app without a logged-in premium account, though this is usually limited to short clips or specific match segments.
3. Using Loyalty Points (SuperCoins & Rewards)
If you shop on Flipkart or use Tata Neu, check your reward points. Often, these platforms allow you to redeem points for a 1-month or 3-month subscription to JioHotstar, effectively letting you watch the WPL for “free” using your shopping habits.
Where to Watch WPL 2026 on TV?
For those who prefer the traditional television experience, the rights remain with the Star Sports Network. While not “free” in the sense of digital streaming, it is included in most basic cable and DTH (Tata Play, Airtel DTH, DishTV) packs.
- Star Sports 1 (HD/SD)
- Star Sports 1 Hindi (HD/SD)
- Star Sports Select 2
- Regional Channels: Check Star Sports 1 Kannada, Tamil, and Telugu for local language commentary.
WPL 2026 Schedule & Match Timings
Knowing where to watch is only half the battle; you need to know when to tune in. The 2026 season is split between Navi Mumbai (DY Patil Stadium) and Vadodara (BCA Stadium).
- Evening Matches: 7:30 PM IST (Standard start time)
- Afternoon Matches: 3:30 PM IST (On double-header days)
Key Teams to Watch:
- Mumbai Indians (MI): Led by Harmanpreet Kaur, they are the defending champions and look formidable as ever.
- Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB): Under Smriti Mandhana, they are the fan favorites looking to repeat their 2024 glory.
- Delhi Capitals (DC): Now in the “Jemimah Era,” with Jemimah Rodrigues taking the captaincy reins.
Expert Tips for the Best Viewing Experience
- Check for 4K Streaming: If you have a 4K TV and a JioHotstar Premium account, ensure you select the “4K” setting. The visual clarity of the WPL production this year is world-class.
- Use Multi-Language Commentary: One of the best features of the new platform is the seamless switching between English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada.
- Watch the “Insider” Feed: Look for the “Insiders” stream on the app for a more casual, fun commentary experience featuring former cricketers and influencers.
Final Thoughts
The WPL isn’t just a cricket tournament; it’s a movement. With players like Smriti Mandhana, Harmanpreet Kaur, and rising stars like Shreyanka Patil taking the field, the 2026 season promises to be the most competitive yet. While the move to JioHotstar is a big change, the accessibility through mobile recharges ensures that every Indian fan can still be part of the journey.
Happy watching, and may the best team win!
