Seattle Orcas Launch Women's T20 Open to Drive Growth of Women's Cricket in the US

Inaugural tournament will showcase women's talent and attract international players for Major League Cricket Women (MLC-W)

Feb. 3, 2026 at 6:15pm

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The Seattle Orcas have announced the Seattle Orcas Women's T20 Open, a first-of-its-kind tournament designed to accelerate the growth of women's cricket in the United States and lay the foundation for a future Major League Cricket Women (MLC-W). The four-day event, scheduled for mid-August 2026 in Seattle, WA, will bring together top international women cricketers alongside the most competitive players in the US to compete in a professional, high-visibility tournament that showcases the talent, passion, and potential of female athletes in the sport.

Why it matters

The lack of consistent, high-quality competition has limited the development and visibility of women's cricket in the US, with only about 20 players in regular contention for the national team. The Seattle Orcas Women's T20 Open aims to provide a platform for talented women cricketers to showcase their skills and build a business case for a future Major League Cricket Women (MLC-W) league.

The details

The Seattle Orcas Women's T20 Open will feature three teams competing in six round-robin matches and a final, all played over four days. The event will be livestreamed nationally, supported by corporate partnership, and designed as a fan experience with youth activations and family-friendly events. The Seattle Orcas will work closely with the American Women's Cricket Support Group (AWCSG) to create a clear pathway for talented women players across the country and affiliate with other Women's T20 tournaments nationwide to further strengthen the domestic ecosystem.

  • The Seattle Orcas Women's T20 Open is scheduled for mid-August 2026 in Seattle, WA.

The players

Anika Kolan

USA Women's Cricketer who said, "The lack of match experience is the single biggest gap holding back women's cricket in the U.S."

Soma Somasegar

Owner of the Seattle Orcas who said, "This tournament features top talent, fan engagement, and opportunity for brand partners to reach new audiences."

Sanjay Parthasarathy

Co-owner of the Seattle Orcas who said, "As 'America's Favorite Cricket Team,' we believe it's our responsibility to develop women's cricket in this country."

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What they’re saying

“The lack of match experience is the single biggest gap holding back women's cricket in the U.S.”

— Anika Kolan, USA Women's Cricketer (natlawreview.com)

“This tournament features top talent, fan engagement, and opportunity for brand partners to reach new audiences.”

— Soma Somasegar, Owner of the Seattle Orcas (natlawreview.com)

“As 'America's Favorite Cricket Team,' we believe it's our responsibility to develop women's cricket in this country.”

— Sanjay Parthasarathy, Co-owner of the Seattle Orcas (natlawreview.com)

What’s next

By demonstrating player depth, sponsorship interest, and fan enthusiasm, the Seattle Orcas aim to build the business case for a full Major League Cricket Women (MLC-W), a critical step toward elevating women's cricket nationwide.

The takeaway

The Seattle Orcas Women's T20 Open is a significant step in driving the growth of women's cricket in the US, providing a platform for talented athletes to showcase their skills and build momentum towards the establishment of a professional women's cricket league.