The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 mega auction, the first of its kind in the league’s history, concluded on November 27, 2025, in New Delhi. With 277 players in the pool and 73 slots to fill across five franchises, the event saw intense bidding wars, strategic use of Right to Match (RTM) cards, and some surprising unsold names. Coming off India’s triumphant Women’s ODI World Cup win in 2025, the auction reflected the growing stature of women’s cricket, with franchises spending over INR 40 crore to rebuild squads for the upcoming season starting January 9, 2026.
WPL 2026 Auction Date, Time & Venue
The WPL 2026 mega auction took place on November 27, 2025, starting at 3:30 PM IST. It was a one-day event held in New Delhi, specifically at a venue in Aerocity (JW Marriott Hotel area). The auction featured 277 players (194 Indian and 83 overseas) vying for 73 spots, including 23 overseas slots. Live telecast was available on Star Sports Network, with streaming on JioHotstar.
Team-Wise WPL 2026 Auction Breakdown
Franchises entered with varying purses after retentions, leading to aggressive rebuilding, especially for UP Warriorz, who retained only one player.
- UP Warriorz: Entered with the largest purse (INR 14.5 crore). Heavy spenders, acquiring Deepti Sharma (INR 3.2 Cr via RTM), Shikha Pandey (INR 2.4 Cr), Meg Lanning (INR 1.90 Cr), and others. Used multiple RTM cards (e.g., Sophie Ecclestone INR 85L). Focused on all-round depth and experience.
- Mumbai Indians: Retained five players, purse around INR 5.75 Cr. Big buy: Amelia Kerr (INR 3 Cr). Defending champions bolstered spin and all-round options.
- Gujarat Giants: Purse INR 9 Cr. Key buys: Sophie Devine (INR 2 Cr), Renuka Singh (INR 60L). Strengthened overseas firepower.
- Delhi Capitals: Lowest purse (INR 5.70 Cr) after retaining five. Acquired Laura Wolvaardt (INR 1.10 Cr) and focused on balanced additions.
- Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Retained four, purse INR 6.15 Cr. Targeted specific gaps, including Grace Harris (INR 75L).
WPL 2026 Auction Most Expensive Buys
The auction featured fierce battles for World Cup performers and proven T20 stars:
- Deepti Sharma (UP Warriorz) – INR 3.20 Cr (via RTM) – Highest bid, second-most expensive Indian in WPL history.
- Amelia Kerr (Mumbai Indians) – INR 3.00 Cr – Top overseas buy.
- Shikha Pandey (UP Warriorz) – INR 2.40 Cr.
- Sophie Devine (Gujarat Giants) – INR 2.00 Cr.
- Meg Lanning (UP Warriorz) – INR 1.90 Cr.
Notable mentions: Laura Wolvaardt (Delhi Capitals, INR 1.10 Cr). Surprises included Alyssa Healy going unsold initially.
WPL 2026 Auction Sold Players List
A total of 67 players were sold. Key highlights include marquee acquisitions and strategic RTM uses (e.g., UP Warriorz reacquired Deepti Sharma, Sophie Ecclestone, Kranti Gaud, and Kiran Navgire). Full team squads post-auction are available on official sites like wplt20.com and olympics.com, featuring retained players plus new buys. Notable unsold players included Alyssa Healy and Pratika Rawal (initially, though some reports note late picks).
FAQs on WPL 2026 Auction
The WPL 2026 mega auction was held on November 27, 2025, in New Delhi, starting at 3:30 PM IST.
Deepti Sharma fetched the highest bid of INR 3.20 crore, reacquired by UP Warriorz using their RTM card.
Around 67-70 players were sold (from 277 in the pool) to fill the remaining 73 slots after retentions.
Notable unsold included Alyssa Healy (in marquee round) and some others like Pratika Rawal (later sold).
The season begins on January 9, 2026, with the final on February 5, 2026.
