WPL 2026 Mega Auction: Who Will Spend Big, Who Will Hold Back – 5 Key Insights Ahead of the Bidding

The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 Mega Auction is all set for 27th November, with every franchise preparing to bid for 73 players to complete their squads. Ahead of the auction, each team has kept aside a substantial budget to secure the players they want, and cricket fans are eager to see if any new salary records will be set.

After India’s triumph in the 2025 Women’s World Cup, the popularity of women’s cricket is at an all-time high, and this auction promises plenty of excitement. A total of 277 players – including 194 Indians and 83 overseas stars – are in the fray. Of these, 52 Indian and 66 foreign players are internationals, but only 73 players will finally be secured through the auction.

Here’s what you need to know before the WPL 2026 Mega Auction:

1. Team Budgets: Who Has How Much

• Mumbai Indians: ₹5.75 crore remaining
• Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB): ₹6.15 crore remaining
• Delhi Capitals: ₹5.70 crore remaining
• UP Warriors: ₹14.5 crore remaining – the highest among all teams
• Gujarat Joints: ₹9 crore remaining

2. Number of Players to Be Bought
Each franchise can have a maximum squad of 18 players.

• Mumbai Indians: 5 retained, 13 to buy
• RCB: 4 retained, 14 to buy
• Delhi Capitals: 5 retained, 13 to buy
• UP Warriors: 1 retained, 17 to buy
• Gujarat Joints: 2 retained, 16 to buy

3. Right-to-Match (RTM) Cards for the First Time
For the first time, WPL teams will use Right-to-Match (RTM) cards. Each team receives 5 RTM cards, but the actual number available depends on how many players were retained. The logic is simple – fewer retained players, more RTM cards.

• Mumbai Indians & Delhi Capitals: 0 RTM cards left
• UP Warriors: 4 RTM cards – the highest
• Gujarat Joints: 3 RTM cards
• RCB: 1 RTM card

4. Auction Date and Venue
The WPL 2026 Mega Auction will be held in Delhi on 27th November, with bidding beginning at 3:30 PM IST.

5. Live Coverage
Fans can watch the auction live on TV and mobile apps. Star Sports channels will begin coverage from 2:30 PM IST, while live streaming will also be available on the JioCinema and JioHotstar apps.

The WPL 2026 auction is expected to be a thrilling showcase of strategy, talent, and big-money bidding, setting the stage for the next exciting season of women’s cricket.