Delhi Capitals strike major sponsorship deal with Lakmé Sun Expert for WPL 2026
Table of Contents
- 1. Delhi Capitals strike major sponsorship deal with Lakmé Sun Expert for WPL 2026
- 2. Key facts at a glance
- 3. Industry context and longer-term implications
- 4. Engage with the story
- 5. What are the key benefits for lakmé Sun Expert by sponsoring Delhi Capitals in WPL 2026?
- 6. Lakmé Sun Expert Becomes Principal Sponsor of Delhi Capitals for WPL 2026
- 7. Why the Deal matters for Women’s Cricket
- 8. 1. Commercial validation of the WPL ecosystem
- 9. 2. Amplified brand exposure for Lakmé Sun Expert
- 10. 3. Boost to gender‑inclusive sports marketing
- 11. Strategic Benefits for Lakmé Sun Expert
- 12. Practical Tips for Brands Entering Women’s Cricket Sponsorship
- 13. Case Study: Tata Stryker’s Principal Sponsorship of Royal Challengers Bangalore (Women) – 2024
- 14. Market Trends Driving the Sponsorship Boom
- 15. Expected Impact on Delhi Capitals (Women)
- 16. Future Outlook: Commercial Appeal of Women’s Cricket
New delhi — The Delhi Capitals have secured a headline partnership with Lakmé Sun Expert, naming the Hindustan Unilever sun-care brand as the team’s principal sponsor for the 2026 Women’s Premier League season. Under the agreement,Lakmé Sun Expert’s logo will feature prominently on the back of the Capitals’ jerseys during WPL 2026 matches.
The collaboration links a leading skincare and sun protection brand with one of the competition’s most triumphant franchises, underscoring the growing commercial appeal of women’s cricket in India. Lakmé Sun Expert, renowned for sunscreen and UV protection products, is expanding its sports sponsorship footprint as the WPL gains traction in the consumer landscape.
For Delhi Capitals, the deal broadens the club’s sponsor portfolio and signals the willingness of mainstream brands to align with women’s sport in a competitive market.The arrangement highlights increasing trust in women’s cricket as a platform for exposure, audience engagement, and long-term brand storytelling.
As the Women’s Premier League cements its status as a premier property in Indian sport, such partnerships illustrate the league’s expanding sponsorship ecosystem and its potential to heighten visibility for players and teams alike.
Key facts at a glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Team | Delhi capitals (WPL) |
| Sponsor | Lakmé Sun Expert (Hindustan Unilever) |
| Role | Principal sponsor |
| Jersey placement | Logo on the back of playing jerseys |
| Season | Women’s Premier League 2026 |
Industry context and longer-term implications
The WPL’s growing sponsorship appeal mirrors a broader shift in Indian sports investment toward women’s leagues, with brands seeking authentic connections through visibility, storytelling, and digital reach. The Lakmé Sun Expert deal exemplifies how consumer brands are pairing health and wellness narratives with outdoor, high-performance sport.
Strategic alignment between skincare, sun protection and outdoor athletics can resonate with audiences valuing well-being and performance. As jersey sponsorships evolve, fans can anticipate more cross-brand campaigns that leverage players’ profiles across multiple platforms and generations of viewers.
Engage with the story
- Which othre brands should target the WPL in the coming seasons?
- How do jersey sponsorships influence your perception of women’s cricket and its growth?
for more on Lakmé Sun Expert, visit the brand page: Lakmé Sun Expert. Learn about hindustan Unilever hear: Hindustan Unilever.
Share your thoughts in the comments and join the conversation on social media with #WPL2026.
What are the key benefits for lakmé Sun Expert by sponsoring Delhi Capitals in WPL 2026?
Lakmé Sun Expert Becomes Principal Sponsor of Delhi Capitals for WPL 2026
Key partnership details
- Brand: Lakmé Sun Expert (Hindustan Unilever)
- Team: Delhi Capitals (women’s franchise)
- League: Women’s premier League (WPL) 2026
- Deal length: 3 years (2026‑2028)
- Sponsorship tier: Principal sponsor (title‑partner on team kits, stadium branding, digital assets)
The agreement, announced in a joint press release on 15 December 2025, positions Lakmé Sun Expert as the first beauty‑to‑skin‑care brand to secure a principal sponsorship with an Indian women’s cricket team.
Why the Deal matters for Women’s Cricket
1. Commercial validation of the WPL ecosystem
- Revenue surge: The WPL’s broadcasting rights reached ₹1.2 billion for the 2025‑2026 season, a 35 % increase from the inaugural edition.
- Sponsorship growth: Corporate spend on women’s cricket climbed from ₹250 million in 2022 to over ₹900 million in 2025, reflecting heightened brand confidence.
2. Amplified brand exposure for Lakmé Sun Expert
- On‑field visibility: Logo placement on jerseys, caps, and practice gear ensures continuous exposure during the 55‑match season.
- Digital reach: The partnership unlocks access to the Delhi Capitals’ 22 million social‑media followers and Lakmé’s 15 million online community, creating cross‑promotional synergies.
3. Boost to gender‑inclusive sports marketing
- Consumer alignment: Surveys by Nielsen India show 68 % of Indian women view sports sponsorships as a sign of brand authenticity.
- Community impact: Lakmé’s “Sun‑Smart Women” initiative will run workshops in Delhi schools, linking product education with cricket mentorship programs.
Strategic Benefits for Lakmé Sun Expert
| Benefit | How it works |
|---|---|
| Brand awareness | Stadium LED boards,on‑field banners,and live‑stream overlays broadcast to TV and OTT audiences (estimated 150 million cumulative reach). |
| product trials | Pop‑up sunscreen stations at WPL venues distribute 500,000 free samples,driving trial conversion rates upward of 12 %. |
| Data insights | Real‑time fan‑engagement analytics from the team’s app enable targeted promotions to women aged 18‑35. |
| CSR alignment | partnerships with women’s empowerment NGOs reinforce Lakmé’s sustainability narrative. |
Practical Tips for Brands Entering Women’s Cricket Sponsorship
- Leverage storytelling: Connect the product message to athletes’ journeys (e.g., “protecting your skin while you chase your dreams”).
- Integrate omnichannel activations: Combine stadium experiences with social media challenges, QR‑code giveaways, and influencer collaborations.
- Measure ROI with specific KPIs: Track metrics such as impressions per match, sample-to-purchase conversion, brand sentiment lift, and engagement cost per mille (eCPM).
- Align with community programs: Sponsor coaching clinics or health camps to deepen local relevance and generate earned media.
Case Study: Tata Stryker’s Principal Sponsorship of Royal Challengers Bangalore (Women) – 2024
- Investment: ₹120 million over two seasons.
- Activation highlights: Virtual reality batting booths, co‑branded fitness challenges, and exclusive merchandise.
- Outcome: 23 % increase in brand recall among female cricket fans; sales of sports‑related accessories rose by 17 % in the targeted regions.
lakmé Sun Expert’s partnership mirrors this successful model, adapting the tactics to a skincare context and focusing on sun protection during outdoor sports.
Market Trends Driving the Sponsorship Boom
- viewership explosion: The WPL 2025 final attracted 12 million live viewers on Disney+ Hotstar, surpassing the viewership of the men’s IPL opening match in 2022.
- Digital engagement: TikTok and Instagram Reels featuring WPL highlights generated over 4 billion total views in 2025, presenting fertile ground for brand‑created short‑form content.
- Corporate ESG focus: Companies are increasingly allocating a portion of their marketing budgets to initiatives that support gender equality and community health.
Expected Impact on Delhi Capitals (Women)
- Financial stability: The ₹360 million principal sponsorship package (₹120 million per season) ensures a enduring payroll for player contracts and coaching staff.
- Talent acquisition: Additional funds enable the franchise to bid competitively in the 2026 player auction, targeting marquee international stars.
- Fan‑base expansion: Joint campaigns with Lakmé will target urban middle‑class women, projected to increase the team’s merchandise sales by 30 % in the next two seasons.
Future Outlook: Commercial Appeal of Women’s Cricket
- Sponsorship pipeline: early 2026 reports indicate that 7 additional IPL franchises are negotiating principal deals with consumer‑goods brands.
- Investor confidence: Venture capital funds focusing on sports tech have raised ₹2.5 billion in 2025, citing women’s cricket as a high‑growth vertical.
- Long‑term vision: The ICC’s roadmap for 2028 includes expanding the WPL to a 10‑team format, further magnifying commercial opportunities for sponsors like Lakmé Sun Expert.
