New Delhi, Sep 23 (NationPress) The anticipation is palpable as we approach the Hockey India League (HIL) 2026 Men’s and Women’s Mini Auctions, scheduled for Wednesday in New Delhi. With teams eager to enhance their rosters and grab the most sought-after talent in global hockey, this event promises to deliver all the excitement and tactics associated with sports off the pitch.

Over 100 male and female athletes will vie for a spot on their desired teams. With a salary cap set at INR 4 crore for men’s teams and INR 2 crore for women’s teams, every decision made at the bidding table will be significant. Each team will consist of 20 players (2 goalkeepers + 18 outfield players), with a cap of 7 foreign players and a minimum of 3 Indian junior players, ensuring pathways for upcoming talent.

The auctions will present three base price categories: INR 2 lakh, INR 5 lakh, and INR 10 lakh, with INR 2 lakh being the lowest for both Indian and overseas participants.

Importantly, franchises can only bid if they have the necessary budget and available positions. Teams must also strike a balance between their remaining budget and the players needed to complete their roster.

On the occasion, Hockey India President Dr. Dilip Tirkey remarked, “It requires immense determination and dedication for a federation to maintain a league’s success, particularly for a traditional sport like hockey. The main goal of a league is to foster inclusion and growth for the sport. The Hero HIL 2026 edition is being organized with this commitment to prioritize player exposure, welfare, and development.

“While we strive for this throughout the year across our competition calendar, the HIL provides a unique platform for healthy corporate involvement in the sport. We take pride in our franchise partners for their trust and contributions to the league's success. The mini auction set for tomorrow is expected to be thrilling as it marks our first milestone for the second edition of the HIL. I wish all teams and players the very best,” he added.

As the auctions play a vital role in team formation, the excitement is already building as franchises strategize to acquire top players for the upcoming Hockey India League 2026.

The auction is slated to commence at 10:30 am onwards, with the men’s auction preceding the women’s auction.