WPL 2026 Mega Auction: A Pivotal Moment for Women’s Cricket

1. Introduction: Why This Auction Matters

The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 auction, set to take place on 27 November 2025 in New Delhi, marks one of the most important moments in the young history of India’s top-tier women’s T20 league.

It’s not just any auction — it’s a mega auction, meaning the five franchise teams have the opportunity to rebuild their squads almost from scratch. With new retention rules, a fresh purse, and the debut of the Right to Match (RTM) card, this auction is shaping up to be a game-changer for the WPL’s competitive balance.

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2. Key Auction Details: Date, Venue, and Structure

• The auction is scheduled for 27 November 2025, at a hotel in Aerocity, New Delhi. IPL+2India Today+2
• It’s expected to be a one-day event, despite potentially having up to 90 players up for grabs, thanks to its streamlined, high-intensity format. India Today+1
• Each team’s auction purse for 2026 is set at ₹15 crore, giving franchises significant firepower to bid for top talent. India Today+1

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3. Retention Rules & Strategy: What’s New

One of the biggest changes this year is the revised retention framework:

• A maximum of 5 players can be retained per franchise. India Today+2Business Standard+2
• Breakdown of the retention categories: up to 3 capped Indian players, 2 overseas players, and 2 uncapped Indians. India Today
• If a franchise retains all 5, at least one player must be an uncapped Indian. Business Standard
• Retention price slabs have been defined:
  • 1st player: ₹ 3.50 crore
  • 2nd player: ₹ 2.50 crore
  • 3rd player: ₹ 1.75 crore
  • 4th player: ₹ 1 crore
  • 5th player: ₹ 50 lakh India Today+1
• Crucially, teams that retain all 5 players will lose their Right to Match cards and will see ₹ 9.25 crore deducted from their auction purse. IPL+1
• For teams that retain fewer players, they will still get RTM cards:
  • 4 retentions → 1 RTM, ₹ 8.75 crore deducted Business Standard
  • 3 retentions → 2 RTMs Business Standard

This structure encourages teams to make strategic decisions about how much core continuity they want, and how much flexibility they want in the auction.

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4. RTM (Right to Match): The Game-Changer

For the first time in WPL history, the RTM option is being introduced. India Today+1

What does this mean?

• A franchise can reacquire a released player by matching the highest bid made for them during the auction. India Today+1
• However, if a team uses all its retention slots (i.e., retains five players), it loses the right to use any RTM cards — a trade-off between stability and flexibility. Business Standard+1
• This move gives teams more tactical options: they can retain a core, or release a player with the hope of re-bidding for them via RTM — but it comes with risk.

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5. Retention Updates: Who’s Staying, Who’s Going

According to reports and franchise announcements:

• Mumbai Indians (MI): Retained five players, including Harmanpreet Kaur, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Hayley Matthews, Amanjot Kaur, and G. Kamalini. Women Cricket
  • With this, they have no RTM cards left and an estimated ₹ 5.75 crore purse remaining. Women Cricket
• Delhi Capitals (DC): Also retained five players, notably including Jemimah Rodrigues, Shafali Verma, Marizanne Kapp, Annabel Sutherland, and Niki Prasad. Women Cricket
  • Their remaining purse: ~₹ 5.7 crore, with 0 RTM cards. Women Cricket
• Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB): Retained four players — Smriti Mandhana, Ellyse Perry, Richa Ghosh, and Shreyanka Patil. Women Cricket+1
  • They kept 1 RTM card, giving them a tactical edge in the auction. Women Cricket
• Gujarat Giants (GG): Adopted a more aggressive rebuild — only Beth Mooney and Ashleigh Gardner retained. Women Cricket
  • They retained 3 RTM cards, powered by a very strong remaining purse (~₹ 9.0 crore). Women Cricket
• UP Warriorz (UPW): Chose a full overhaul. They retained just one uncapped Indian — Shweta Sherawat. Women Cricket
  • They now enter the auction with all 4 RTM cards and the highest remaining purse among all teams: ~₹ 14.5 crore. Women Cricket

These retention decisions show very different strategies: some teams kept a strong core, while others are gambling on rebuilding.

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6. Player Pool & Auction Buzz: Who’s Expected to Go Under the Hammer

• Reports suggest up to 90 players could be part of the WPL 2026 auction pool. India Today
• With major names released or not retained, several top-tier international and domestic women cricketers are expected to attract big bids.
• The RTM option could spark intense bidding wars, especially for players released strategically by their original teams.

Key players to watch (based on retention reports and speculation):

• Meg Lanning: According to reports, she has been released by Delhi Capitals, which could lead to a dramatic re-bid. India Today
• Emerging Indian talent: The rule requiring at least one uncapped Indian in the 5th retention slot means promising domestic players stand to gain more exposure. India Today+1
• Overseas stars: With the RTM in play and high purse amounts, big overseas names are likely to be strategic targets, especially for teams in rebuild mode like UP Warriorz.

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7. Strategic Implications for Franchises

The dynamics of this mega auction are complex and layered. Here’s how teams might be thinking:

• Balance between core and rebuild: Teams like MI and DC, which retained 5, emphasize continuity. Others like UPW, retaining just 1, are betting on rebuilding with new or released talent.
• Using RTM wisely: Teams with RTM cards (RCB, GG, UPW) might play smart by releasing big names, letting bidding drive their price up, and then matching. But they risk losing bids if the competition is too fierce.
• Purse management: With ₹ 15 crore per team, franchise owners must decide whether to spend big early on marquee players or spread out funds across balanced talent.
• Domestic talent surge: The retention rule compels teams to keep uncapped Indian talent, but also means that domestic players released could be re-bought or picked up by rivals — potentially strengthening the Indian core across teams.

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8. Fan & Media Reaction: What People Are Saying

• Media buzz: Sports outlets are calling this auction “the biggest reset yet” for the WPL. India Today+1
• Fan sentiment: On social media and Reddit, fans are excited about the RTM introduction and the potential for dramatic bidding. > “Retention 5 costs 50 lakh? That’s a bargain for some of these young Indian players!” Reddit
• Analyst takes: Cricket analysts suggest that this auction may set the tone for WPL’s future — whether teams invest in star power or build depth could define who dominates the 2026 season.

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9. Risks & Challenges Ahead

While the WPL 2026 mega auction promises excitement, it also comes with significant challenges:

1. Financial risk: With big purses and RTM cards, teams could overspend on big names and find themselves short on funds for depth.
2. RTM gamble: Relying too much on RTM can backfire if a released player is snapped up by other franchises.
3. Talent imbalance: If newer or less successful teams don’t bid wisely, they risk creating lopsided squads.
4. Pressure on retained players: Players retained at high slabs will have expectations to deliver; failure could lead to restructuring again.
5. Emerging player risk: Investing in young uncapped talent is a long-term play — they may or may not deliver immediately.

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10. What to Watch During the Auction

Here are key things to keep an eye on during the WPL 2026 auction:

• Top bidding duels: Watch for marquee players who were released — especially international stars — and which franchises use RTM to bring them back.
• Big domestic buys: Which uncapped Indian players attract huge bids? Their selection could reshape domestic talent dynamics.
• Team strategies: Will teams with unused purse spend aggressively, or will they play it safe?
• RTM execution: How many teams actually use their RTM cards, and who do they target?
• Value picks: Hidden gems might emerge — players who go for lower than expected but deliver big in the season.

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11. Why This Auction Is a Turning Point for WPL

• Long-term growth: A successful mega auction could help WPL become more balanced and sustainable, rather than being dominated by a couple of franchises.
• Women’s cricket spotlight: High-profile bidding, big names, and smart strategies will bring more attention to female cricketers — encouraging more investment.
• Talent pipeline: By blending retention and RTM, franchises can build strong cores while still nurturing domestic talent.
• Viewer engagement: The drama of an auction — especially with RTM — can drive fan interest, media coverage, and sponsor attention.

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12. Conclusion: A Prelude to the Battle

The WPL 2026 mega auction isn’t just another roster-filling event — it’s a strategic battleground. With retention limits, RTM introduction, and a hefty purse, every franchise faces tough decisions: who to keep, who to let go, and who to fight for when the gavel comes down.

If teams play wisely, WPL 2026 could usher in a new era — one where teams are more evenly matched, domestic talent flourishes, and women’s cricket continues its upward trajectory. For fans, players, and franchise owners alike, this auction is far more than a formality — it’s a statement of intent.

1. What is the WPL Auction 2026?

The WPL Auction 2026 is a mega player auction for the Women’s Premier League where all five franchise teams rebuild their squads for the 2026 season.

2. When is the WPL 2026 auction scheduled?

The auction will take place on 27 November 2025 in New Delhi.

3. Why is the WPL 2026 a mega auction?

It’s considered a mega auction because teams can overhaul their squads and the player pool is reset with major changes in retention rules.

4. How many players can teams retain before the auction?

Each team can retain up to 5 players.

5. What is the maximum purse for each team in WPL 2026?

Each franchise has a purse of ₹15 crore for the auction.

6. What is the Right to Match (RTM) card in WPL 2026?

RTM allows a team to match the highest bid on a released player to bring them back into the squad.

7. How many RTM cards can a team get?

Teams can have 0, 1, or 2 RTM cards, depending on how many players they retain.

8. What happens if a team retains all five players?

The team loses all RTM cards and gets a reduced purse.

9. What is the salary deduction for retaining players?

₹9.25 crore is deducted for retaining all five players.

10. How many players will be in the WPL 2026 auction pool?

Approximately 90 players are expected in the pool.

11. Which team has the highest purse remaining?

UP Warriorz have the highest purse, nearly ₹14.5 crore.

12. Which franchise retained the most players?

Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals retained all five allowed players.

13. Which team retained the least number of players?

UP Warriorz retained only one uncapped Indian player.

14. Who are the biggest names released before WPL 2026 auction?

Reportedly, stars like Meg Lanning and several big overseas players.

15. Where will the WPL 2026 auction take place?

At a hotel in Aerocity, New Delhi.

16. What is the value of the first retention slot?

₹3.50 crore.

17. What is the value of the second retention slot?

₹2.50 crore.

18. What is the value of the third retention slot?

₹1.75 crore.

19. What is the value of the fourth retention slot?

₹1 crore.

20. What is the value of the fifth retention slot?

₹50 lakh.

21. How many uncapped Indian players must be retained?

At least one, if all 5 slots are used.

22. Which team can use the most RTM cards?

UP Warriorz can use up to 4 RTMs, depending on final rules.

23. Who are the likely most expensive players in WPL 2026 auction?

Names like Beth Mooney, Ashleigh Gardner, Meg Lanning, and top Indian talent.

24. How does RTM affect bidding?

RTM can trigger bidding wars and strategic gameplay, making the auction more intense.

25. Can teams rebuild completely in WPL 2026?

Yes, teams with fewer retentions can almost rebuild from scratch.

26. Which team retained Harmanpreet Kaur?

Mumbai Indians.

27. Which team retained Shafali Verma?

Delhi Capitals.

28. How many foreign players can teams retain?

Up to 2 overseas players.

29. How do retentions impact auction purse?

More retentions = less purse available for bidding.

30. What new changes were introduced in WPL 2026?

The introduction of RTM cards for the first time.

31. Why is the WPL 2026 auction important?

It shapes the structure of the entire league and competitiveness for the next seasons.

32. Are uncapped players expected to earn big?

Yes, several uncapped Indian talents may attract high bids.

33. How many teams participate in WPL?

Five teams: MI, DC, RCB, GG, and UPW.

34. Which team has the biggest rebuild in WPL 2026?

UP Warriorz, because they released almost their entire squad.

35. Will international stars be available for the full season?

Most overseas players are expected to be fully available depending on their national commitments.

36. Can RTM be used for overseas players?

Yes, RTM can be applied to Indian and overseas players.

37. What time will the WPL 2026 auction begin?

Most WPL/ IPL auctions begin around 2 PM IST, expected similar timing.

38. How long will the auction last?

Reports indicate it will be a one-day event.

39. What determines the base price of players?

Performance, experience, and BCCI’s pre-set base price slabs.

40. Which young Indian players may shine in this auction?

Names like Shweta Sehrawat, Titas Sadhu, Uma Chetry, etc.

41. Will franchises target all-rounders more?

Yes, all-rounders are the hottest picks in T20 formats.

42. What is the biggest challenge of WPL 2026 auction?

Balancing purse management with team depth.

43. How does Mega Auction change team dynamics?

It resets teams, opens new combinations, and increases competition.

44. Which team could dominate the WPL 2026 auction?

UP Warriorz, due to their huge purse and RTM advantage.

45. Why do teams release their star players?

To save purse or re-buy them cheaper using RTM cards.

46. Is the WPL 2026 auction broadcast live?

Yes, it will be telecast live on sports networks and online platforms.

47. How are players categorized in the auction?

By sets: capped Indians, overseas, uncapped Indians, all-rounders, batters, bowlers.

48. Which franchise has the strongest retained core?

Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals have the most stable cores.

49. What makes WPL 2026 unique compared to previous seasons?

The first-ever RTM usage, revised retentions, and biggest reshuffle yet.

50. How will the WPL 2026 auction impact women’s cricket?

It will boost competition, visibility, salaries, and global interest in women’s T20 cricket.