The UP Warriorz have the largest purse, standing at INR 14.5 crore, giving them the flexibility to bid aggressively for top players.
WPL 2026 Auction: A Game-Changer for Women’s Cricket
The Women's Premier League (WPL) 2026 Auction is going to be a significant moment in the evolution of Indian women's cricket. As the WPL continues to expand, it mirrors the massive success of the Indian Premier League (IPL), giving women cricketers a global platform. The auction, scheduled for November 27, 2025, will offer exciting opportunities to reshape franchises and introduce new talent to the league ahead of its 2026 season, which will likely begin in January 2026.
A High-Stakes Auction with Big Purse Amounts
Each WPL franchise will have a purse of INR 15 crore for the auction, allowing them to bid on the best available talent, both from India and abroad. The auction will offer 73 player slots across the five franchises, including 23 overseas slots. The UP Warriorz have the largest purse, standing at INR 14.5 crore, giving them the flexibility to bid aggressively for top players.
Retentions and Right to Match (RTM)
Franchises can retain a set number of players before the auction: up to three capped Indian players, two uncapped Indian players, and two overseas stars. The Right to Match (RTM) card, which allows teams to bid for their retained players during the auction, will add an exciting layer of strategy. This means that teams can hold on to their star players even if they are bid for by other franchises.
For instance, Mumbai Indians, the defending champions, have retained five players, including their captain Harmanpreet Kaur, and Delhi Capitals have kept Shafali Verma and Jemimah Rodrigues.
Talent to Watch at WPL 2026 Auction
The WPL 2026 Auction is expected to feature a star-studded list, with names like Deepti Sharma, the Player of the Tournament at the Women’s ODI World Cup 2025, Smriti Mandhana, Alyssa Healy, and Meg Lanning potentially entering the bidding war. This auction will not only focus on big international names but also give an opportunity for emerging Indian players to make their mark on the league.
WPL: A Step Towards Gender Equality in Sports
The WPL has already had a profound impact on women’s cricket, showcasing the immense potential of Indian women cricketers. As the league grows, it will continue to push the boundaries of gender equity in sports, providing young female cricketers with opportunities that were once unimaginable. It is a celebration of female talent, empowerment, and representation, with the WPL acting as a launchpad for young cricketers to dream big.
