2026 Women's Premier League Auction Sees Record Player Sales

The Women's Premier League (WPL) auction for the 2026 season took place on 27 November 2025 in New Delhi, featuring an extensive bidding process for 277 players, including 194 Indian and 83 overseas cricketers. Five teams aimed to fill a total of 73 roster spots—50 for Indian players and 23 for international players. The franchises were given a collective budget of ₹41.1 crore (approximately £4.1 million) to invest in new talent and enhance their squads.

Key Acquisitions
Deepti Sharma, who was named the Most Valuable Player during India's recent Women's ODI World Cup victory, became the highest-paid player of the auction, securing a deal worth ₹3.2 crore (around £320,000) with the UP Warriorz. This acquisition was made possible through a Right to Match option, allowing the franchise to reclaim Sharma after she was released prior to the auction.

Other notable signings included Shikha Pandey, who was purchased by the UP Warriorz for ₹2.4 crore, and Meg Lanning, who returned to the franchise for ₹1.9 crore. The auction saw a competitive atmosphere, particularly for marquee players, with a total of 67 players sold across various franchises.

Franchise Spending and Strategies
The UP Warriorz, having retained only one player before the auction, entered with the largest purse of ₹14.5 crore. Their strategy focused on rebuilding the team around Deepti Sharma, complemented by significant purchases of other players like Sophie Ecclestone, Phoebe Litchfield, and Asha Sobhana. Meanwhile, the Delhi Capitals spent cautiously, acquiring Laura Wolvaardt and Chinelle Henry, while retaining key players like Marizanne Kapp.

The Mumbai Indians, who won the previous season, continued to build on their successful formula by re-signing Amelia Kerr for ₹3 crore, making her the second-most expensive player of the auction. The Royal Challengers Bengaluru made strategic moves to plug gaps in their squad, acquiring players like Georgia Voll and Lauren Bell, the latter being their highest purchase at ₹90 lakh.

Player Retentions and Surprises
In total, 17 players were retained by their franchises, including seven international players. Notably, some high-profile names such as Australian captain Alyssa Healy and spinner Alanna King remained unsold, raising questions about their market value despite their strong performances during the World Cup.

Upcoming Season Details
The 2026 edition of the Women's Premier League is set to take place between 9 January and 5 February 2026, with matches scheduled at venues in Navi Mumbai and Vadodara. The tournament aims to build on the excitement generated by India's recent World Cup success, potentially drawing larger audiences and increased interest in women's cricket.

As franchises prepare for the new season, the outcomes of this auction reflect a growing investment in women's cricket, with the aim of enhancing the competitive landscape of the league and celebrating the achievements of female athletes on a global stage.