The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 mega auction concluded in New Delhi with high drama, record signings, major surprises, and a reshaping of all five franchises ahead of the highly anticipated new season. Hosted at the JW Marriott Hotel in Aerocity, the auction brought together the biggest names in women’s cricket, rising domestic talents, and franchises armed with significantly restructured strategies under the updated WPL retention rules.
From blockbuster bidding wars to unexpected snubs, the day delivered everything fans had hoped for. Across the auction table, the five franchises collectively filled 67 player slots, which included 23 overseas recruits, selected from a wide pool of 277 players. The player list featured 194 Indian cricketers and 83 international stars, each categorized under base prices ranging from ₹10 lakh to ₹50 lakh.
With expansions in squad strategies, evolving franchise identities, and new league rules governing retention and RTM (Right to Match), the 2026 edition promises the most competitive WPL season yet. As excitement builds, here is a complete breakdown of the WPL 2026 squads, bidding highlights, star acquisitions, and how every team emerged from the mega auction.
A Historic Day in New Delhi: How the WPL 2026 Auction Unfolded
Cricket enthusiasts worldwide tuned in as the WPL mega auction returned to the capital city. The venue buzzed with energy as team owners, coaches, and analysts charted out their strategies for the upcoming season. With franchises seeking the perfect combination of experience, youth, power-hitters, spinners, and all-rounders, the bidding tables witnessed rapid-fire moments as well as intense tug-of-war battles for top-tier talent.
The biggest headline emerged early — India’s star all-rounder Deepti Sharma became the most expensive player of WPL 2026, returning to her former team UP Warriorz for ₹3.20 crore through an RTM option. Her signing reinstated her importance to the Warriorz setup and signaled the franchise’s intention to rebuild around a proven match-winner.
The second major headline centered around Amelia Kerr, New Zealand’s ace all-rounder, who became the costliest overseas player of WPL 2026, securing a ₹3.00 crore contract with Mumbai Indians. Kerr’s value continues to rise globally, and MI wasted no time in reinforcing their squad with her all-round dominance.
Meanwhile, a few stalwarts such as Alyssa Healy and Heather Knight surprisingly went unsold — a reminder that even established stars are not guaranteed a bid when teams are structuring squads with long-term sustainability, evolving formats, and budget strategies.
The Players Who Made Headlines
The auction witnessed several standout stories. Here’s a detailed look at all the major highlights that dominated the meg a event:
1. Deepti Sharma – Most Expensive Player of WPL 2026
- Sold to: UP Warriorz
- Price: ₹3.20 crore
- Category: Indian all-rounder
By exercising the Right to Match option, the Warriorz ensured Deepti’s return for the upcoming season. As a versatile all-rounder who contributes stability with the bat and control with the ball, she continues to be one of the most trusted players in Indian women’s cricket.
2. Amelia Kerr – Most Expensive Overseas Player
- Sold to: Mumbai Indians
- Price: ₹3.00 crore
- Category: New Zealand all-rounder
Kerr’s consistent performances in global leagues made her a hot property. MI prioritized her as a long-term asset, strengthening their core with her leg-spin skills and aggressive batting.
3. Sophie Devine – A Major Signing for Gujarat Giants
- Sold to: Gujarat Giants
- Price: ₹2.00 crore
- Category: New Zealand power-hitter
Devine’s firepower at the top of the order will bring new dynamism to Gujarat Giants, who focused heavily on increasing their aggressive batting strength.
4. Anushka Sharma – Costliest Uncapped Player
- Sold to: Gujarat Giants
- Price: ₹45 lakh
India’s promising young batter Anushka Sharma attracted significant attention from multiple teams. Gujarat Giants eventually secured her as the most expensive uncapped player of the auction.
5. Deeya Yadav – Youngest Player to Be Bought
- Sold to: Delhi Capitals
- Price: ₹10 lakh
- Age: 16
Deeya’s signing became one of the most heartwarming moments of the day, marking an important milestone for young domestic players aiming to break into elite-level cricket.
6. Notable Unsold Players
- Alyssa Healy (Australia)
- Heather Knight (England)
Despite their stature, both went unsold — a sign of evolving team combinations and shifting roles in the modern T20 landscape.
Understanding the RTM Rules Which Shaped WPL 2026 Squads
For the first time in WPL history, franchises were allowed up to five Right to Match options, depending on the number of retentions they made before the auction.
The fewer players a team retained, the more RTM options it gained.
This rule dramatically influenced bidding strategies.
- UP Warriorz, who retained only one player (Shweta Sehrawat), entered the auction with:
- 4 RTM options
- The largest purse: ₹41.1 crore
- Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals, both of whom retained five players, entered with no RTM options.
Teams used the RTM strategically to regain core players at just the right moment.
For example:
- UP Warriorz used RTM for Deepti Sharma, Sophie Ecclestone, Kranti Gaud, and Kiran Navgire.
Team-by-Team Breakdown: Full WPL 2026 Squads
Below are the complete squads as finalized after the mega auction, along with purse balances.
Delhi Capitals – WPL 2026 Squad
Purse remaining: ₹0
Delhi Capitals went into the auction with a focused strategy, retaining a strong core including Shafali Verma and Jemimah Rodrigues. The addition of young talent Deeya Yadav added fresh energy to the team. With zero purse remaining, they maximized every rupee in rebuilding a competitive, multi-skilled lineup.
Gujarat Giants – WPL 2026 Squad
Purse remaining: ₹15 lakh
Gujarat made some of the boldest moves of the auction, including signing Sophie Devine and the costliest uncapped player, Anushka Sharma. With an emphasis on aggressive batting and versatile all-rounders, the Giants appear determined to transform their performance from previous seasons.
Mumbai Indians – WPL 2026 Squad
Purse remaining: ₹0
The defending champions, led by India captain Harmanpreet Kaur, entered with limited purse space but a highly stable core. Their biggest addition — Amelia Kerr at ₹3 crore — signals a continued focus on strengthening all-round depth. Despite having no RTM options, MI successfully rebuilt their squad without compromising quality.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru – WPL 2026 Squad
Purse remaining: ₹0
RCB, led by Smriti Mandhana — still the most expensive WPL player in history at ₹3.40 crore — made calculated additions to fortify both top-order strength and spin bowling. After winning their first title in 2024, the franchise has become confident and strategic, aiming for another deep playoff run.
UP Warriorz – WPL 2026 Squad
Purse remaining: ₹15 lakh
UP Warriorz had the biggest rebuilding mission, entering with only one retention and four powerful RTM options. Their squad underwent the largest transformation, highlighted by the re-signing of Deepti Sharma and Sophie Ecclestone. The Warriors now boast a more balanced and experienced roster heading into 2026.
WPL 2026 Auction: Key Statistics
| Category | Player | Price | Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| Most Expensive Player | Deepti Sharma | ₹3.20 crore | UP Warriorz |
| Most Expensive Overseas Player | Amelia Kerr | ₹3.00 crore | Mumbai Indians |
| Most Expensive Indian Player | Deepti Sharma | ₹3.20 crore | UP Warriorz |
| Most Expensive Uncapped Player | Anushka Sharma | ₹45 lakh | Gujarat Giants |
Why the WPL 2026 Auction Was a Turning Point for Women’s Cricket
The latest edition of the auction was not simply about filling squads — it showcased the depth and future of women’s cricket in India and abroad. Several trends became evident:
1. Rising Value of All-Rounders
Teams heavily invested in players capable of contributing in multiple departments, reflecting modern T20 dynamics.
2. Increased Focus on Domestic Youth
Bids on Anushka Sharma and Deeya Yadav show that franchises are seeking to nurture long-term Indian stars.
3. Shift Away from Some Senior Overseas Players
The unsold status of global giants like Healy and Knight suggests teams are prioritizing fit-for-role flexibility over legacy.
4. Strategic Use of RTM Options
The new rule allowed franchises to take bolder risks at the auction, knowing they could reclaim key players later.
5. Long-Term Planning Ahead of WPL Expansion
With talks of future expansion and more teams joining the league, franchises are preparing squads that can stay competitive over multiple seasons.
Also read: Who Is 26-Year-Old American Cricketer Tara Norris? Know Everything About the Rising Fast Bowler
What the WPL 2026 Season Promises
With the WPL 2026 squads finalized, anticipation for the new season has reached unprecedented levels. Fans can expect:
- More competitive matches
- Stronger domestic representation
- New tactical combinations
- Higher scoring games
- A deeper pool of young Indian players
- Fierce competition between global stars
The rise of young talents mixed with experienced internationals is creating one of the most exciting eras in women’s cricket. With franchises making smart, forward-thinking decisions, WPL 2026 is shaping up to be the most unpredictable season to date.
Also read: Historic First WPL Auction Sees Record Bids, Intense RTM Battles, and High-Value Signings
Conclusion
The WPL 2026 mega auction delivered everything: record signings, emotional breakthroughs, surprise snubs, dramatic bidding battles, and the shaping of five powerful squads. As fans eagerly await the season opener, one thing is certain — the league has entered a new era of competitiveness, market value, and global reach.
With dazzling young stars paired with established legends, the tournament promises to be bigger, better, and more thrilling than ever. And with the newly announced WPL 2026 squads, teams are now ready to chase the coveted championship title.
