When is the WPL mega auction scheduled in New Delhi?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The WPL mega auction will occur on November 27 in New Delhi.
- Franchises can retain a maximum of five players.
- The auction purse is set at INR 15 crore.
- RTM options allow teams to reacquire players from their previous roster.
- Player registration deadline is November 18.
New Delhi, Nov 4 (NationPress) The highly anticipated mega player auction for the 2026 season of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) is scheduled to take place on November 27 in the national capital, as per sources familiar with the situation who spoke to IANS on Tuesday.
Previously, IANS indicated on October 22 that New Delhi surpassed Goa to become the preferred host city for this landmark auction, which is set to be the inaugural event of its kind in WPL history. “There was a consideration between November 26, 27, and 28. However, the BCCI has now confirmed to all five franchises that the auction will occur on November 27,” sources added.
Regarding the location for this one-day auction, IANS has learned that an upscale hotel in Aerocity may serve as the venue, particularly since the initial choice, Bharat Mandapam, will be occupied for the India International Trade Fair (IITF) from November 14 to 27.
The deadline for player retention for all five WPL teams—two-time champions Mumbai Indians, 2024 victors Royal Challengers Bengaluru, three-time runners-up Delhi Capitals, UP Warriorz, and Gujarat Giants—is set for Wednesday.
Each franchise can 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 values are defined 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) option will allow franchises to reacquire players who were part of their 2025 WPL rosters, capped at five RTMs per team.
Depending 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 number of RTMs available will vary—franchises retaining fewer players will have more RTMs available. Teams retaining all five players will lose the RTM option entirely. The final date for WPL mega auction player registration is November 18, and the complete list of auction players will be released on November 20.
IANS has noted that India's victory in the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup may influence the player retention strategies of WPL teams.
“Several franchises might reconsider their retained players to include those who excelled for India in securing the trophy. This also applies to certain overseas players who performed well in the World Cup,” sources stated further.