In October 2022, the BCCI announced its intentions to hold a five-team women's franchise cricket tournament in March 2023.[3] The tournament was named the Women's Premier League in January 2023, with investors buying the rights to franchises through a closed bidding process during the same month.[4] Indiawin Sports, the owners of Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League, bought the rights to one of the franchises.[4]
In February 2023, Charlotte Edwards was announced as head coach of the side, with Jhulan Goswami named as their bowling coach and mentor and Devika Palshikar as the batting coach.[5][6] The inaugural player auction for the WPL was held on 13 February 2023, with Mumbai Indians signing 18 players for their squad.[7]