The Jamaica Kingsmen, a new franchise in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), will have the exclusive opportunity to make the first three picks of Jamaican players in the upcoming draft set for May. This decision allows the Kingsmen to recruit top local talents such as Andre Russell and Rovman Powell without competition. The CPL announced that the 2026 season will feature the Kingsmen as the seventh franchise, marking the start of a new three-year contract cycle. The league has introduced new player acquisition and draft rules aimed at enhancing competitive balance and supporting emerging talent. Owned by Fawad Sarwar, a Pakistani businessman, the Kingsmen will be the second Jamaican team in the CPL, following the defunct Jamaica Tallawahs. The draft will allow franchises to select players based on a snake system according to last season's standings, with specific rules regarding player retention and selection. The CPL's 2026 season will kick off on August 7 in St Vincent, concluding with the final at Kensington Oval in Barbados on September 20.