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The stage is set for a thrilling day in women's cricket as the WPL 2026 Mega Auction kicks off in New Delhi. This isn't just a regular bidding war; it’s a major reshuffle where the five franchises, Delhi Capitals, Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Gujarat Giants, and UP Warriorz, will build their "dream teams" from scratch.

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The stakes are high this year. A massive pool of 277 players, including 194 spirited Indians and 83 international stars, will be competing for just 73 available spots. Out of these, only 23 slots are open for overseas players, making the competition fierce. Adding a new layer of strategy to the mix is the "Right to Match" (RTM) rule. This allows teams to buy back their key players from the previous season by matching the highest bid, ensuring that loyal fans might still see some familiar faces in their favourite jerseys.

WPL 2026 Mega Auction: When and Where?

Mark your calendars for Thursday, November 27, 2025. The auction is taking place in the heart of India, New Delhi.

Auction Start Time: The bidding battles begin sharply at 3:30 PM IST.

Pre-Show Coverage: For fans who want to catch the expert analysis and buildup, the WPL 2026 Mega Auction coverage starts an hour early at 2:30 PM IST.

Big Budgets and Marquee Players

All eyes will be on several superstars who are back in the auction pool. One of the biggest Indian names available is Deepti Sharma, who was released by UP Warriorz despite her stellar performance in the World Cup. The list of international marquee players is equally star-studded. Expect intense bidding for: Laura Wolvaardt (South Africa Captain), Sophie Ecclestone (England’s top spinner), Sophie Devine and Amelia Kerr (New Zealand), Alyssa Healy and Meg Lanning (Australia)

Team Budgets: Strategies will be defined by how much money each team has left in their purse for the WPL 2026 Mega Auction. UP Warriorz enters the auction room with the heaviest wallet, boasting a budget of INR 14.5 crore and 4 RTM cards. Gujarat Giants: INR 9 crore, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB): INR 6.15 crore, Mumbai Indians: INR 5.75 crore, Delhi Capitals: INR 5.7 crore.

Each team must fill a squad of at least 15 players, capped at a maximum of 18.

Live Streaming Details

You don't have to miss a minute of the action, whether you are at home or on the go. Tune in to the Star Sports Network to watch the live telecast of the entire WPL 2026 Mega Auction drama. If you prefer watching on your phone or laptop, live streaming will be available on the JioHotstar app and website.