The International Cricket Council has announced a substantial boost to the total prize fund for the Women's T20 World Cup 2026, set to take place in England and Wales this summer, with a 10% increase from 2024. The winners of the tournament will receive $2.34m (£1.74m), while the runners-up will take home $1.17m (£871,024), the same as the previous edition. However, all participating teams are now guaranteed a minimum of $247,500 (£184,245), more than double the amount from 2024.
With just 60 days to go until the tournament commences, England is set to face Sri Lanka at Edgbaston, aiming to replicate the success of the Lionesses and Red Roses with a win on home soil, following a winless streak in the T20 World Cup since its inception in 2009. According to ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta, 'The growth of women's cricket continues to accelerate, and the expansion of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup to 12 teams, combined with a record prize pool, underlines our commitment to building a stronger, more competitive global game.' The tournament, which features 33 matches across 24 days in seven venues, is expected to break attendance and viewing records, with a significant impact on the global socio-cultural landscape. The total prize pot for the tournament has grown to $8,765m (£6,528m), with the winners and runners-up prize remaining the same as in 2024, but with a notable 134% increase from 2023.
Tournament director Beth Barrett-Wild stated, 'The ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 is set to be a landmark moment for the game - on course to become the most attended women's cricket event in history, with record-breaking ticket demand and the largest-ever prize pot for a global women's T20 competition.' The trophy tour will commence at Lord's Cricket Ground before visiting qualified European nations and hosting cities, building excitement ahead of the first ball on June 12. The prize breakdown includes: Winners: $2,340,000 (£1,742,238.11), Runners up: $1,170,000 (£871,119.05), Losing semi-finalists: $675,000 (£502,568.68), Group match win: $31,154 (£23,195.59), and an assured prize pot for all 12 teams: $247,500 (£184,275.18).