The WPL 2026 mega auction is set for November 27 in New Delhi, with five franchises finalizing retentions and RTM options after India’s 2025 Women’s World Cup win.
New Delhi: The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 mega auction will take place on November 27 in New Delhi, with all five franchises set to finalize their player retentions and Right to Match (RTM) options in the coming days.
After much deliberation, the date was officially locked in following discussions between the BCCI and the teams. The one-day event will likely be hosted at a luxury hotel in Aerocity, as the Bharat Mandapam venue is unavailable due to the India International Trade Fair from November 14 to 27.
Franchises Mumbai Indians, Delhi Capitals, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, UP Warriorz, and Gujarat Giants have until Wednesday to submit their final retention lists. Each team can retain up to three capped Indian players, two overseas players, and two uncapped Indian players. If a franchise chooses to retain five players, one must be an uncapped Indian.
The auction purse has been set at ₹15 crore, with retention slabs defined as ₹3.5 crore for Player 1, ₹2.5 crore for Player 2, ₹1.75 crore for Player 3, ₹1 crore for Player 4, and ₹50 lakh for Player 5.
Depending on the number of retentions, teams will have adjusted purses ₹9.25 crore for five retained players, ₹8.75 crore for four, ₹7.75 crore for three, ₹6 crore for two, and ₹3.5 crore for one.
The Right to Match (RTM) option will allow franchises to buy back players from their 2025 squads, though its availability depends on how many players are retained. Teams retaining all five players will not have access to RTMs.
Player registration for the auction closes on November 18, and the final list of registered players will be published on November 20.
India’s historic triumph in the 2025 ICC Women’s World Cup is expected to shape several retention calls. Some teams are reportedly reconsidering their lists to include standout performers from India’s title-winning campaign, as well as overseas players who impressed during the tournament.
The upcoming auction marks a major moment for the WPL, as franchises look to rebuild and strengthen their squads ahead of the 2026 season
