BKT goes all-in on women’s cricket with WPL-wide partnership
In a major show of commitment to women’s cricket, Balkrishna Industries Ltd. (BKT) has signed on as the official tyre partner for all five teams in the 2026 edition of the Women’s Premier League (WPL).
According to the company, the move reinforces its long-term vision of using sport as a platform for inclusion and growth. The partnership covers Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Delhi Capitals, Gujarat Giants, and UP Warriorz, marking one of the most extensive multi-franchise commercial tie-ups in the tournament’s short but fast-growing history.
BKT’s brand will enjoy significant on-ground and digital visibility throughout the WPL season — including perimeter LED signage, static in-stadium assets, and a wide range of digital activations across team-owned platforms.
Rajiv Poddar, Joint Managing Director of BKT, said in a statement, “BKT aligns with sporting platforms that embody equality and inclusion, promoting a positive impact on people and sport enthusiasts. Joining forces with teams competing in India’s premier women’s T20 championship builds on BKT’s established presence in cricket globally and strengthens our portfolio of strategic sporting relationships. Through these partnerships, we aim to play a meaningful role in supporting a high-performance platform that celebrates excellence and resilience and contributes positively to the continued evolution of women’s cricket in India.”
Franchises welcome the deal as a milestone for the women’s game
Each of the five WPL franchises acknowledged the significance of the agreement, not just commercially but in terms of the visibility and validation it brings to women’s sport.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s Chief Operating Officer Rajesh Menon said in a statement, “We are delighted to partner with BKT Tyres, a brand that shares our commitment to excellence, inclusion and the continued growth of women’s cricket. Their strong global association with sports and belief in high-performance platforms make them a valuable partner for us. We look forward to a meaningful and successful association.”
From Delhi Capitals, CEO Sunil Gupta pointed to the continuation of a trusted relationship, noting, “We’ve shared a strong association with BKT Tyres in the past through our IPL team, and it is encouraging to see them now extend their footprint into the WPL. BKT’s long-standing involvement across multiple sports and leagues globally reflects its belief in building the sport in a meaningful way. Along with supporting the continued growth of women’s cricket, we see this as a strong commercial partnership that creates shared value and long-term opportunities for both brands. We are looking forward to a fruitful association.”
Gujarat, UP and Mumbai franchises highlight shared values
Other franchises echoed similar sentiments. Sanjay Adesara, Chief Business Officer at Adani Sportsline — the owners of Gujarat Giants — said in a statement, “We are delighted to partner with BKT Tyres, a globally recognised brand with a strong presence across multiple sports and leagues worldwide. Their deep-rooted association with sport, along with a clear focus on performance and excellence, makes this partnership a natural fit. We look forward to building a meaningful and impactful association and exploring the opportunities this collaboration will unlock both on and off the field.”
UP Warriorz COO Kshemal Waingankar praised the deal’s significance for women’s cricket, saying in a statement, “At UP Warriorz, we believe that building a strong women’s sporting ecosystem requires partners who share our values and long-term vision. BKT Tyres’ commitment to women’s cricket and its association across all teams in the league is a powerful endorsement of the growth and potential of the women’s game in India. We are delighted to welcome BKT Tyres as our Official Tyre Partner and look forward to working together to further strengthen opportunities, visibility, and excellence in women’s cricket.”
A Mumbai Indians spokesperson concluded in a statement, “BKT Tyres has been an integral partner of the Mumbai Indians for five years, and we are proud to now bring that spirit of collaboration to the women’s game. This partnership reflects our ‘One Family’ commitment to parity and performance. We’ve grown together for half a decade, and we are ready to bring that same belief and energy to this new chapter.”
A strategic move that expands BKT’s global sports portfolio
This latest move not only bolsters BKT’s presence in cricket but also aligns with its broader global sports strategy. The company already maintains long-standing relationships across cricket, including within the IPL and with Cricket Australia, while also supporting leagues in football, basketball, rugby, and motorsports.
With growing viewership, sponsor interest, and cultural relevance, the Women’s Premier League is rapidly evolving into a mainstream sporting property. BKT’s full-franchise tie-up positions the brand as one of the most visible and committed stakeholders in this next phase of the women’s game in India.
