Is the WPL 2026 Mega Auction Happening in New Delhi?
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Synopsis
Exciting news as the Women’s Premier League prepares for its 2026 mega auction! Set in New Delhi, this event promises to bring thrilling competition and strategic player movements. Get ready for a one-day event filled with anticipation and big decisions from franchises. Discover how teams will navigate their player retentions and auction strategies!
Key Takeaways
- WPL mega auction scheduled for last week of November.
- New Delhi chosen as the host city.
- Retention deadline set for November 5.
- Auction purse fixed at INR 15 crore.
- Teams can retain up to five players.
New Delhi, Oct 22 (NationPress) The Women’s Premier League (WPL) mega auction for the upcoming 2026 season is slated to take place in the last week of November in New Delhi, as confirmed by tournament sources to IANS on Wednesday.
It was reported that there was a consideration between New Delhi and Goa as the potential venue for the WPL mega auction. Ultimately, New Delhi was chosen to host this significant event for the first time in WPL history.
This decision has been communicated to the five franchises: Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Delhi Capitals, UP Warriorz, and Gujarat Giants.
According to sources, the mega auction is expected to occur during the last week of November, but the exact date is yet to be confirmed. Once finalized, it will be shared with the teams.
The auction is anticipated to conclude within a single day due to the number of teams involved. As previously mentioned in October, the retention deadline is set for November 5, allowing each team to retain up to five players.
Each franchise will be permitted to retain a maximum of three capped Indian players, two overseas players, and two uncapped Indian players. If a team opts to retain five players, at least one must be an uncapped Indian player.
The auction purse has been established at INR 15 crore. The retention amounts are as follows: INR 3.5 crore for Player 1, INR 2.5 crore for Player 2, INR 1.75 crore for Player 3, INR 1 crore for Player 4, and INR 50 lakh for Player 5. The Right to Match (RTM) clause will allow franchises to reacquire players from their 2025 WPL rosters, limited to five RTMs per team.
Based on the number of retained players, the corresponding deductions from the purse will be: INR 9.25 crore for five players, INR 8.75 crore for four, INR 7.75 crore for three, INR 6 crore for two, and INR 3.5 crore for one. The availability of RTMs will adjust accordingly, with teams retaining fewer players having access to more RTMs. Teams retaining all five players will lose the RTM option entirely.
After the retention deadline, franchises will submit the players entering the auction on November 7. The final date for player registration for the mega auction is November 18, with the complete list of players available for auction to be released on November 20.
–IANS
Point of View
I see the WPL mega auction as a pivotal moment for the league, reflecting its growth and the increasing interest in women's cricket. New Delhi’s selection as the venue signifies a commitment to elevating the profile of women’s sports in India. It's crucial for franchises to strategize effectively, balancing player retention with new acquisitions to enhance their competitive edge in the upcoming season.
NationPress
23/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the WPL 2026 mega auction scheduled?
The WPL 2026 mega auction is scheduled to take place in the last week of November in New Delhi.
What is the retention deadline for franchises?
The retention deadline for franchises is set for November 5.
How many players can teams retain?
Each team can retain a maximum of five players, including capped and uncapped Indian players as well as overseas players.
What is the auction purse for WPL 2026?
The auction purse for WPL 2026 has been set at INR 15 crore.
When will the final list of auction players be released?
The final list of players available for the auction will be released on November 20.
