WPL 2026 Mega Auction: World Cup Heroes Set for November 27 Bidding War in New Delhi

The Women’s Premier League will conduct its first-ever mega auction on November 27, 2025, at a plush Aerocity hotel in New Delhi—a landmark event where India’s World Cup-winning stars like Deepti Sharma, Jemimah Rodrigues, and Shafali Verma could trigger franchise bidding wars as their values skyrocket following the historic triumph. With just 19 player slots available across five franchises after retention deadlines, the auction represents the most competitive player marketplace in WPL’s three-year history, featuring an Rs 15 crore purse per team and the debut of Right to Match (RTM) cards that allow franchises to reclaim released players.​

Key Dates and Venue

Auction Date: November 27, 2025 (Wednesday)

Venue: Plush hotel in Aerocity, New Delhi

Format: One-day event

Player Registration Deadline: November 18

Player List Release: November 20

Retention Deadline: November 5 (Wednesday)​

Venue Change

The auction will be held at an Aerocity hotel rather than the originally planned Bharat Mandapam, which will be occupied with the India International Trade Fair (IITF) from November 14-27. New Delhi edged out Goa as the preferred host city after deliberations between November 26, 27, and 28 as potential dates.​

Retention Rules and Structure

Maximum Retention Caps

Each franchise can retain a maximum of 5 players:

Up to 3 capped Indian players

Up to 2 overseas players

Up to 2 uncapped Indian players

Mandatory: If retaining all 5 players, at least 1 must be uncapped Indian​

Retention Slabs and Purse Deductions

Total Auction Purse: Rs 15 crore per franchise​

Right to Match (RTM) Cards - First-Time Feature

The WPL 2026 auction introduces the Right to Match option for the first time, allowing franchises to buy back players who were part of their 2025 squads:

RTM Cap: Maximum 5 RTM cards per franchise

Inverse Relationship: More retentions = fewer RTMs available

Total Forfeiture: Teams retaining all 5 players forfeit RTM option entirely​

This mechanism gives franchises strategic flexibility to release players for auction while maintaining buyback options if bidding remains within budget.

The Five Franchises

Two-Time Champions:

Mumbai Indians (2023, 2025 winners)

One-Time Champions:

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (2024 winners)

Three-Time Runners-Up:

Delhi Capitals (2023, 2024, 2025 finalists)

Rebuilding Franchises:

UP Warriorz

Gujarat Giants​

World Cup Impact on Retention Strategy

India’s November 3 World Cup victory has reportedly triggered last-minute reconsiderations among franchises regarding retention lists. Sources told IANS: "A few franchises may take a fresh look at their retained players list to accommodate those who performed well for India in winning the trophy. The same goes for a few overseas players who did well in the World Cup."​

Likely Impact Players

Indian World Cup Heroes:

Deepti Sharma (Player of Tournament: 22 wickets, 215 runs)

Jemimah Rodrigues (127* vs Australia semifinal)

Shafali Verma (87 in final)

Harmanpreet Kaur (Captain, leadership value)

Smriti Mandhana (434 runs, second-highest tournament scorer)

Overseas World Cup Standouts:

Laura Wolvaardt (South Africa: 571 runs, tournament record)

Marizanne Kapp (South Africa: 12 wickets including 5/20)

Ash Gardner (Australia: Century vs England)

Sophie Ecclestone (England: 16 wickets)

These players’ World Cup performances could dramatically increase their auction valuations, potentially triggering bidding wars if released by current franchises.

The Competitive Landscape: Only 19 Slots

With franchises having retained a cumulative 71 players from their 2025 squads, only 19 slots remain available across all five teams for the November 27 auction. This scarcity creates intense competition for:​

Released World Cup stars seeking franchise switches

International players looking to enter WPL

Domestic performers from recent tournaments

Young talents from development pathways

Strategic Considerations for Franchises

Mumbai Indians (Defending Champions)

Will likely retain their championship core while using RTM options for released players who contributed to back-to-back titles.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (2024 Champions)

After disappointing 2025 season (failed to qualify), may consider significant reshuffling while retaining 2024 heroes.

Delhi Capitals (Three-Time Finalists)

Consistent runners-up need breakthrough signings. World Cup star acquisitions could provide the championship edge.

UP Warriorz and Gujarat Giants

Both franchises underwhelmed in recent seasons. The mega auction represents opportunity for complete rebuilding around World Cup performers.

Timeline Recap

November 5: Retention deadline (franchises submit lists) November 7: Complete auction pool released November 18: Player registration closes November 20: Final auction player list announced November 27: Mega auction (Aerocity, New Delhi) Early 2026: WPL Season 4 begins​

Broadcasting and Coverage

Star Sports Network and JioHotstar will provide live coverage of the auction, with comprehensive analysis expected given the heightened interest following India’s World Cup triumph.​

The Commercial Impact

The WPL 2026 auction arrives at a watershed moment for women’s cricket in India. Following the World Cup victory, player brand valuations have surged 25-100%, creating unprecedented commercial interest in the auction. Franchises will balance sporting strategy with commercial considerations—acquiring World Cup heroes delivers both on-field excellence and significant marketing value.

With the auction purse limited to Rs 15 crore per franchise and only 19 slots available, expect intense bidding for marquee names like Deepti Sharma (if released), international stars seeking WPL debut, and breakout domestic performers looking to capitalize on recent form.