The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced a 10% increase in the total prize pool for the 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup. Now, the champions of the tournament will receive a prize of US$2.34 million, while the runners-up will secure US$1.17 million. Teams that lose in the semi-finals will still benefit substantially, with each of the two losing semi-finalists earning US$675,000. 

Even at the group stage level, every victory has value, with teams receiving US$31,154 per win. Importantly, all 12 teams are guaranteed a base amount of US$247,500. Notably, back in 2014, a total of US$7.95 million was distributed among just 10 teams.

"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," ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta said.

"The continued rise of women’s cricket through increased investment and opportunity reflects the growing influence and impact of female athletes on the global stage."

"With that same momentum building across every aspect of women’s cricket, this event is shaping up to not only set a host of new attendance and viewing records in the sports and media ecosystems but also leave a lasting impact on the wider socio-cultural landscape across the world," he stated.

The tournament is set to begin on June 12, with England women taking on Sri Lanka women in the opening game at Edgbaston.