Get complete WPL 2026 Auction essentials — team purses, major rule changes, top players, retention limits, dates, venues, and official streaming platforms. A full, fan-friendly guide to the Women’s Premier League Auction 2026.
The Women’s Premier League (WPL) is rapidly transforming into one of the most influential and commercially successful women’s cricket leagues in the world. With every passing season, the league grows in popularity, competitiveness, and global recognition. But WPL 2026 is shaping up to be even bigger. The auction, in particular, has already created massive excitement among fans, franchises, and players worldwide.
From purse updates to new rules, marquee player categories to overseas slots, and even where the auction will be streamed — WPL 2026 Auction promises drama, strategy, and big surprises. If you want one complete guide to everything that matters before the hammer drops, this is it.
In this in-depth, fan-friendly, SEO-optimized article (without any robotic tone!), we break down WPL 2026 Team Purses, Auction Rules, Player Categories, Retentions, Streaming Platforms, and much more.
Grab your notes — this is your ultimate WPL 2026 Auction Handbook.
Why WPL 2026 Auction Is a Big Deal
WPL is no longer “just a women’s league.” It has:
- Billion-rupee investments
- Global stars competing
- Prime-time telecast slots
- Massive stadium crowds
- Franchise fanbases similar to IPL
The WPL 2026 auction is expected to be the largest so far, with more money, more teams registered interest, and more international players entering the pool.
Franchises are preparing with:
- Data analysts
- Performance specialists
- Match-up experts
- Brand strategists
Because one right pick can change an entire season.
WPL 2026: Team Purses (Expected Updated Purse Amounts)
The BCCI is set to increase team wallets for WPL 2026. While the final purse will be confirmed closer to the auction, here are the most accurate, industry-backed expectations based on internal budget trends and prior year increments.
| Team | Purse (Expected) |
|---|---|
| Mumbai Indians Women | ₹14–16 crore |
| Royal Challengers Bangalore Women | ₹14–16 crore |
| Delhi Capitals Women | ₹14–16 crore |
| UP Warriorz | ₹14–16 crore |
| Gujarat Giants | ₹14–16 crore |
Expect an increase of ₹3–4 crore from the previous season to allow teams to bid aggressively for:
- High-impact all-rounders
- Swing bowlers
- Overseas power hitters
- Emerging U-19 stars
This increase ensures more competitive bidding wars, especially for uncapped players who made headlines in the 2024 and 2025 seasons.
WPL 2026 Auction: Big Rules You Must Know
Here are the most crucial rules that will shape how teams buy players:
1. Player Retention Rules
Franchises can retain:
- 3–5 players total
- Maximum 3 Indian players
- Maximum 2 overseas players
Additionally:
- No Right-to-Match (RTM) card in WPL yet
- All unretained players return to the auction pool
Retentions are key to team stability, but leaving gaps can strategically free up purse.
2. Overseas Player Restrictions
Each team can field:
- 4 overseas players in the playing XI
- 1 Associate Nation player is allowed (optional)
This opens the door for players from:
- Thailand
- UAE
- USA
- Scotland
- Netherlands
- Zimbabwe
Overseas match-winners often become the league’s highest-paid players.
3. Squad Composition Rules
Teams must build a squad of:
- Minimum 15 players
- Maximum 18 players
- Minimum 1 Associate player (optional)
This ensures balanced squads with room for specialists.
4. Minimum Auction Base Prices
Indian Players
- Capped: ₹20L – ₹50L
- Uncapped: ₹10L – ₹20L
Overseas Players
- ₹30L – ₹50L
Top-tier overseas stars often spark bidding wars starting at ₹50L.
5. Auction Format
WPL follows a mini-auction model, allowing dynamic player movement.
The auction is usually structured as:
- Marquee Player Set
- All-rounder Set
- Openers
- Middle-order batters
- Spinners
- Pacers
- Uncapped players
- Accelerated rounds
This system keeps teams thinking quickly and strategically.
IPL 2026: Players Who Could Trigger Bidding Wars
Though the final auction list hasn’t been announced, here are the categories of players expected to dominate:
1. Big International Stars
- Sophie Ecclestone
- Tahlia McGrath
- Chamari Athapaththu
- Meg Lanning (if available)
- Marizanne Kapp
2. Rising Indian Talents
- Shreyanka Patil
- Saika Ishaque
- Titas Sadhu
- Kanika Ahuja
- Uma Chetry
3. U-19 Breakouts
Players from Women’s U-19 World Cup 2024/2025.
4. Associate Nation Power Hitters
- Natthakan Chantham (Thailand)
- Kavisha Egodage (UAE)
- Tara Norris (USA)
WPL loves giving global talent a platform.
WPL 2026 Auction: Where to Watch? Full Streaming Details
With WPL’s rising popularity, the 2026 auction has huge demand for live streaming.
Here are the expected official platforms:
Television Broadcast (India)
- Sports18 Network (Sports18 1, Sports18 1 HD)
Sports18 has carried previous WPL seasons and is expected to continue.
Online Streaming (India & Global)
- JioCinema (FREE Streaming)
WPL streams in multiple languages:
- English
- Hindi
- Tamil
- Telugu
- Kannada
- Marathi
- Bhojpuri
No subscription needed — making WPL one of the most accessible women’s leagues worldwide.
International Streaming (Projected)
| Country | Streaming Platform |
|---|---|
| USA | Willow TV / JioCinema Global |
| UK | Sky Sports Cricket |
| Australia | Fox Sports / Kayo |
| South Africa | SuperSport |
| Middle East | Etisalat / JioCinema ME |
| New Zealand | Sky Sport NZ |
These may update based on broadcast rights deals, but JioCinema’s global expansion is already underway.
Team-by-Team Strategy Breakdown (Predicted for 2026 Auction)
Every franchise walks into the auction with a different plan.
Mumbai Indians Women
Needs:
- Big middle-order hitter
- Death-over pacer
- Indian wrist spinner
MI will look to rebuild slightly but still stay aggressive.
Royal Challengers Bangalore Women
Needs:
- Reliable fast bowler
- Overseas finisher
- Young off-spinner
RCB has the talent; they just need the right balance.
Delhi Capitals Women
Needs:
- Power hitter at No.5
- Backup wicketkeeper
- Indian swing bowler
Expect DC to make one or two splash buys.
Gujarat Giants
Needs:
- Indian top-order batter
- Match-winning all-rounder
- Experienced spinner
Gujarat’s purse will decide their aggressive rebuilding.
UP Warriorz
Needs:
- Strike spinner
- Finisher
- Backup overseas opener
UP often looks for all-round depth.
Why WPL 2026 Could Break Viewership Records
Major reasons:
- Bigger star power
- Free streaming globally
- Higher prize money
- More marketing around women’s cricket
- Consistent scheduling
- Rising fan following
Domestic women’s cricket is booming, and WPL is at the center of this wave.
Read more: Urvil Patel’s 37-Ball 119
Fantasy Cricket Impact: What WPL 2026 Auction Means for Fantasy Players
The auction will directly influence fantasy cricket players on:
- Dream11
- My11Circle
- Vision11
- MPL
Key takeaway:
Watch who gets big bids — expensive buys almost always play every match.
WPL 2026 Auction Venue (Expected)
The auction is likely to be held in:
Mumbai or Bengaluru
— the two major hubs for women’s cricket in India.
However, BCCI may decide later depending on logistics and title sponsor events.
Sources
- BCCI – Women’s Premier League Official Announcements
https://www.bcci.tv - WPL Official Website (Teams, Rules, Auctions, Squads)
https://www.wplt20.com - ESPNcricinfo – WPL Auction Rules, Team Purses, Squad News
https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/women-s-premier-league-2026-1423297 - Cricbuzz – WPL Auction News & Player Lists
https://www.cricbuzz.com/cricket-series/6732/women-premier-league-2026 - The Hindu Sportstar – WPL Coverage & Rule Changes
https://sportstar.thehindu.com/cricket/wpl - ICC – Global Coverage & Broadcast Info
https://www.icc-cricket.com - JioCinema – WPL Streaming Information
https://www.jiocinema.com/sports
FAQs
Q1: When is the WPL 2026 Auction?
Expected in January–February 2026, before the season kick-off.
Q2: What is the expected team purse for WPL 2026?
Between ₹14–16 crore per team.
Q3: Where will the auction stream live?
JioCinema (online) and Sports18 (TV).
Q4: How many players can a team retain?
3–5 players, including a maximum of 2 overseas.
Q5: How many overseas players allowed in playing XI?
4, with an optional 5th from an Associate nation.
Q6: How many players can each team have?
Minimum 15, maximum 18.
Q7: What is the auction format?
Mini-auction with marquee sets and accelerated rounds.
Final Thoughts: Why WPL 2026 Auction Will Be Unmissable
The WPL 2026 Auction is not just a sporting event — it’s a spectacle.
- Bigger money
- Bigger stars
- Bigger expectations
- Bigger fanbase
The way franchises spend and strategize will define the next season. Every player pick can tilt the balance of the tournament.
For fans, this is the start of the excitement.
For players, it’s a career-changing day.
For franchises, it’s the biggest decision moment of the year.
WPL is growing, and WPL 2026 promises to be the biggest, boldest edition yet.
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