The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 Mega Auction has wrapped up, marking a major moment in the league’s evolution. With new rules, a deeper talent pool, and increased attention after the Women’s World Cup, this auction didn’t just build teams—it reshaped women’s cricket.
A New Era Begins The auction kicked off in New Delhi at 3:30 PM IST. It was the first mega auction, forcing teams to rebuild from scratch, with only five players allowed for retention. Every team had a ₹15 crore purse, signaling big spending from the start.
The RTM Twist For the first time, the Right to Match (RTM) card allowed teams to reclaim released players by matching another team’s bid, adding drama, strategy, and emotional last-minute decisions.
Player Pool Highlights
World Cup stars dominating globally
Rising Indian talents aiming for WPL breakthroughs
All-rounders, spin specialists, and explosive batters & pacers
Franchise Strategies
Mumbai Indians Women: Strengthened top/middle order
Royal Challengers Bangalore Women: Targeted bowlers
Delhi Capitals Women: Added overseas batting experience
UP Warriorz: Focused on spinners & all-rounders
Gujarat Giants: Went for match-winning impact players
Rise of Domestic Talent Several uncapped Indian players secured significant contracts, making WPL a true pipeline for future stars.
Beyond Cricket The auction reflects growth in women’s sports: higher broadcast numbers, bigger sponsorships, more investment, and global followership.
What’s Next With squads finalized, WPL 2026 promises fresh rivalries, bold combinations, and new stars-in-the-making. If the auction was any indication, this season will be transformative.