WPL 2026 Mega Auction: The WPL 2026 auction is shaping up to be one of the biggest turning points in women’s franchise cricket. All five teams have already shaken up their core squads ahead of the fourth season, and with the mega auction scheduled for November 27 in Delhi, fans can expect plenty of surprises.
With 277 players in the pool and teams armed with healthy purse balances, this auction could completely rewrite the league’s competitive landscape.
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WPL Mega Auction Set to Reshape Every Franchise
This is the first-ever WPL mega auction, marking the end of the league’s initial three-year cycle and the beginning of a brand-new chapter. A total of 277 players, including 194 Indians and 83 international stars have thrown their names into the ring, giving franchises an opportunity to reinvent themselves from scratch.
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With 73 slots available across the five teams and a maximum of six overseas players allowed per squad, every franchise has huge flexibility. The combined purse sits just above Rs 41 crore, with UP Warriorz heading into the event with the biggest budget. Considering the number of high-profile names up for grabs, intense bidding wars seem almost guaranteed.
A Look Back at WPL’s Most Expensive Signings
Smriti Mandhana still holds the record for the most expensive signing in WPL history. Royal Challengers Bengaluru snapped her up for Rs 3.40 crore in the league’s inaugural auction, and she’s now back on the list with a fresh salary of Rs 3.50 crore heading into the mega auction. Her price tag reflects not just her star power but also her importance to any team’s leadership group.
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Last year’s mini-auction saw Mumbai Indians make the biggest splash when they secured Simran Sheikh for Rs 1.90 crore. In 2024, both Annabel Sutherland and Kashvee Gautam went for Rs 2 crore each, Delhi Capitals grabbed Sutherland, while Gujarat Giants sealed the deal for Gautam.
What to Expect This Time
With a deep player pool, larger purses, and teams eager to rebuild, the 2026 auction promises drama, strategy, and record-breaking bids. Young Indian talents and seasoned international stars will be in huge demand, and the balance of power in the WPL could shift dramatically by the end of the day.
For fans, November 27 isn’t just another auction, it’s the start of a new era in women’s cricket.
Most Expensive WPL Buys Over the Years
| Year | Player | Nationality | Price (Crore) | Team |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Smriti Mandhana | India | 3.40 | Royal Challengers Bengaluru |
| 2024 | Annabel Sutherland | Australia | 2.00 | Delhi Capitals |
| 2024 | Kashvee Gautham | India | 2.00 | Gujarat Giants |
| 2025 | Simran Shaikh | India | 1.90 | Gujarat Giants |
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