Royal Challengers Bengaluru Triumph in WPL 2026 Final, Secure Rs 6 Crore Prize
The winners of the Women's Premier League 2026 final, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, have walked away with a substantial prize cheque of Rs 6 crore. This significant financial reward underscores the league's growing financial stability and its consistent commitment to excellence at the pinnacle of women's franchise cricket.
Prize Money Consistency Reflects BCCI's Commitment
The Rs 6 crore prize amount mirrors exactly the sum awarded to Mumbai Indians following their title triumph in the 2025 final. This parity reinforces the Board of Control for Cricket in India's dedication to maintaining strong incentives for top-tier performance in the women's game. The unchanged prize money from 2025 to 2026 is not a result of short-term inflation but rather a clear indicator of the league's steady commercial footing and structured growth.
RCB's Dominant Batting Seals Victory
Royal Challengers Bengaluru defeated Delhi Capitals by six wickets in a thrilling, high-scoring final on Thursday to claim their second WPL championship. RCB's title win was built around a dominant and pressure-filled batting display during the chase. Captain Smriti Mandhana led from the front with a sublime innings of 87 runs off just 41 balls, while Georgia Voll produced a match-defining knock of 79 runs from 54 deliveries.
Their formidable 165-run partnership for the second wicket laid the unshakable foundation for a record chase. RCB successfully overhauled Delhi's imposing total of 203 for four with two balls to spare, showcasing remarkable composure and skill under pressure.
Delhi Capitals' Strong Effort Falls Short
The runners-up, Delhi Capitals, once again fell short on the biggest stage despite reaching their fourth WPL final. However, their campaign was still rewarded with a significant financial prize. Delhi had earlier posted a formidable total, powered by Jemimah Rodrigues, who struck a fluent 57 off 37 balls, and Chinelle Henry, who added crucial late impetus with a rapid 35 off just 15 deliveries.
Contributions from Laura Wolvaardt and Lizelle Lee further bolstered the score, but the total ultimately proved insufficient against RCB's relentless and calculated response in the chase.
WPL's Growing Stature and Sustainable Model
With this victory, RCB has joined Mumbai Indians as the most successful teams in the history of the Women's Premier League, both franchises having now secured multiple titles. The Rs 6 crore purse not only rewards the champions handsomely but also highlights the WPL's elevated stature as one of the most lucrative domestic tournaments in women's cricket globally.
As the league continues to mature and evolve, the consistency in prize money and the consistently high quality of pressure-filled finals point towards a sustainable and robust model. This model is instrumental in elevating the profile, competitiveness, and earning potential of women cricketers in India and beyond, setting a strong precedent for the future of the sport.
