The cricketing world is buzzing with anticipation as the Women's Premier League (WPL) gears up for its 2026 mega auction. This blockbuster event is scheduled for Thursday, November 27, in the national capital, New Delhi. It represents a pivotal moment for the five franchises to strategically construct their dream teams for the upcoming season, setting the stage for another thrilling chapter in women's cricket.
When and Where to Watch the WPL 2026 Auction
Mark your calendars and set your reminders! The WPL 2026 mega auction will commence sharply at 3:30 PM IST on November 27. For fans eager to catch every moment of the pre-auction analysis and build-up, the television coverage will begin an hour earlier at 2:30 PM IST. The entire event will be broadcast live on the Star Sports Network channels. For viewers who prefer digital platforms, the live streaming will be available on the JioHotstar app and website, ensuring no one misses out on the high-stakes action.
A Deep Dive into the Auction Pool and Team Dynamics
The auction promises fierce competition and strategic maneuvering, with a massive pool of 277 players going under the hammer. This talent pool is dominated by 194 Indian players, which includes 52 capped internationals. They are complemented by 83 overseas stars from around the globe, making for a truly international spectacle.
The five ambitious franchises—Delhi Capitals, Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Gujarat Giants, and UP Warriorz—have a collective goal of filling 73 available slots. Out of these, 23 are reserved for overseas players. A significant new feature this year is the introduction of the Right to Match (RTM) rule. This allows teams to reclaim players from their 2025 roster by matching the highest bid made for them by another franchise, adding a thrilling layer of strategy.
Marquee Names and Team Purse Breakdown
Several cricketing giants are set to headline the auction. The list includes homegrown hero Deepti Sharma, who was recently released by UP Warriorz following a stellar World Cup performance. The international contingent features heavyweights like South African captain Laura Wolvaardt, England's premier spinner Sophie Ecclestone, the dynamic Sophie Devine from New Zealand, her compatriot Amelia Kerr, and Australian powerhouses Alyssa Healy and Meg Lanning.
The financial firepower varies significantly among the teams, reflecting their retention strategies and RTM card holdings. UP Warriorz lead the pack with the largest purse of INR 14.5 crore and possess four RTM cards. They are followed by Gujarat Giants with INR 9 crore. Royal Challengers Bengaluru have INR 6.15 crore to spend, while Mumbai Indians have INR 5.75 crore and Delhi Capitals have INR 5.7 crore remaining in their auction funds. Each franchise must build a squad with a minimum of 15 players and a maximum of 18.
With so much talent, strategy, and money at play, the WPL 2026 mega auction is poised to be an unmissable event that will shape the destiny of the league's next season.
