KINGSTON, Jamaica (CMC) — The Jamaica Empress has been revealed as the fourth team to compete in this year’s Women’s Caribbean Premier League (WCPL).

The franchise will join three-time defending champions Barbados Tridents, Guyana Amazon Warriors and Trinbago Knight Riders in the competition that will be played in Barbados from September 5 to 17.

All eight matches will be played at the iconic Kensington Oval in Barbados.

According to a release from the WCPL, next year’s tournament could see even more teams competing.

“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,” the release stated.

Defending champions Barbados Tridents will be looking to win their fourth title in a row, after sweeping up a hat-trick of triumphs in 2023, 2024 and 2025. Trinbago Knight Riders won the inaugural edition of the tournament in 2022.

The Tridents will begin their title defense on September 5 against the Knight Riders, with the Empress set to make their debut the next day against the Amazon Warriors.

Pete Russell, chief executive officer of the WCPL, said he was eagerly looking forward to this year’s tournament.

“The WCPL is about much more than what happens on the field. 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,” Russell said.

Hayley Matthews, captain of the Barbados Tridents, lauded the tournament, saying it provided much-needed opportunities for women.

Stafanie Taylor of Guyana Amazon Warriors hits a six during the Women’s Caribbean Premier League match versus Barbados Royals at Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba, Trinidad and Tobago, on August 21, 2024. (Photo: CPL via Getty Images)

“I’ve seen first-hand the impact of WCPL on women across the region. 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,” said Matthews, who missed last year’s tournament due to injury.

Women’s CPL 2026 fixtures

September 5 – Barbados Tridents vs Trinbago Knight Riders

September 6 – Jamaica Empress vs Guyana Amazon Warriors

September 10 – Trinbago Knight Riders vs Jamaica Empress

September 12 – Trinbago Knight Riders vs Guyana Amazon Warriors

September 12 – Barbados Tridents vs Jamaica Empress

September 13 – Guyana Amazon Warriors vs Barbados Tridents

September 16 – Play-off (2nd vs 3rd)

September 17 – Final