What is the WPL auction

🔎 What is the WPL auction

The WPL auction is the player-selection event for teams in the WPL, where franchises bid to sign players (Indian and overseas) to fill their squad spots. The Times of India+2Times Of Sports+2
Before the auction, teams can retain a certain number of players from their previous squad. Women Cricket+1
The auction allows teams to pick up remaining players from a large pool — both established and new/uncapped — to complete their squad for the upcoming season. Times Of Sports+1

The latest mega auction was held on 27 November 2025 in New Delhi (Aerocity). The Times of India+2Times Of Sports+2
A total of 277 players were in the auction pool: 194 Indian (mix of capped + uncapped) and 83 overseas players. The Times of India+2Times Of Sports+2
There were 73 slots available across the five franchises, including overseas-player slots. The Times of India+1
The auction introduced the use of “Right to Match” (RTM) cards: this lets a team match the highest bid to “buy back” a player they had released. The Times of India+1
Each franchise’s overall auction purse is ₹15 crore. Women Cricket+1

Auctions decide final squads for the upcoming WPL season — who plays, who sits out. Teams build balance: batters, all-rounders, bowlers, overseas stars, domestic talent.
It gives a platform for both top international stars and uncapped Indian players to earn a spot and exposure. Times Of Sports+2Women Cricket+2
The RTM and retention system adds strategy: teams must decide whom to keep, whom to release — and who to bid for.

The WPL 2026 mega auction was held on 27 Nov 2025 for building squads for the 2026 season. The Times of India+2Times Of Sports+2
277 players were in contention for 73 slots. The Times of India+1
The use of RTM cards made things more dynamic, letting teams re-acquire players they had released. The Times of India+1