WPL Auction 2026: Women Premier League Mega Auction Begins in New Delhi with 277 Cricketers Up for Bidding and New RTM Rules
WPL Auction 2026 Begins: A Defining Moment for Women’s Cricket
The much-awaited WPL Auction 2026 has officially kicked off in New Delhi, marking a historic milestone for the Women Premier League. This year’s event is being hailed as the first-ever mega auction in the tournament’s history, signaling a dramatic restructuring of squads and a major leap forward for women’s cricket in India and globally. With the Women in Blue riding high after their recent 2025 World Cup victory, anticipation and excitement among fans, franchises, and players are at an all-time high.
A total of 277 players — including 194 Indian cricketers and 83 international stars — will go under the hammer as franchises look to reshape lineups, build stronger team combinations, and prepare for the next phase of the fast-growing league. This monumental auction represents not just contract bidding, but the shaping of future champions.
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Star-Packed Marquee Set Opens the Auction
The WPL Auction 2026 began with the marquee set, featuring eight of the biggest names in the sport. Among them are Indian superstars Deepti Sharma and Renuka Singh, both expected to attract intense competition among franchises due to their recent performances and match-winning abilities. Also featured in the marquee opening lineup are global cricket icons Sophie Devine, Amelia Kerr, Sophie Ecclestone, Alyssa Healy, Meg Lanning, and Laura Wolvaardt — players whose international experience and leadership qualities make them key assets.
With such a high-profile list leading the bidding, early rounds of the auction are expected to set record price benchmarks and define the strategies franchises will adopt throughout the event.
Team Composition and Slot Availability
A total of 73 player slots, including 23 overseas positions, are open across the five WPL franchises. Each team must build squads consisting of a minimum of 15 and a maximum of 18 players. This tight structure ensures competitive balance and forces franchises to make bold, strategic decisions during bidding wars.
This year, teams enter the auction room with a combined purse of INR 41.1 crore, giving them significant flexibility to pursue top-tier talent, strengthen bench depth, and secure specialists for key roles such as finishers, strike bowlers, and powerplay hitters.
Major Rule Change: Introduction of Right to Match Cards
One of the biggest changes introduced in WPL Auction 2026 is the implementation of Right to Match (RTM) cards. Under the new rule, franchises can use up to five RTM cards to reclaim players from their previous season’s roster. The number of RTM cards available to a franchise depends on how many players they retained after the 2025 season — teams retaining fewer players are rewarded with more RTMs and a larger auction purse.
This rule dramatically intensifies the bidding process, allowing teams to strategically wait for a preferred player to be listed and then match the final winning bid. The RTM rule adds suspense to every marquee and mid-tier bid, promising unpredictable twists throughout the auction.
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A Turning Point for Women Premier League
Launched in 2023, the Women Premier League has rapidly become one of the most influential sporting platforms in women’s cricket. With expanding fan support, improved broadcast value, and rising financial investments, the league continues to elevate the status of women athletes and inspire a generation of young cricketers. The successful introduction of the mega auction format illustrates the league’s evolution and growing global recognition.
WPL Auction 2026 is expected to reshape competitive dynamics entirely, introduce fresh talent onto the international stage, and create future superstars who will carry forward the momentum of Indian women’s cricket.
What Fans Can Expect Next
As bidding intensifies and squads take shape, attention will soon shift to team balance, leadership patterns, coaching strategies, and projected matchups for the upcoming season. With iconic veterans, beloved national stars, and emerging young talents all entering the spotlight, the road to WPL 2026 promises excitement, drama, and unforgettable cricketing moments.
Fans can look forward to a season packed with fierce competition, strong rivalries, and new heroes rising on the grandest stage of women’s cricket.
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