New Delhi likely to host WPL 2026 mega auction in late November

The Women’s Premier League (WPL) auction is highly likely to take place in the national capital, with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) narrowing the window to November 26–27. Although an official communication is yet to be issued, it has been reliably learnt that franchise officials have been informally informed about the likely venue and dates.

Initially, the BCCI had indicated that the auction would be scheduled between November 26 and 29. However, the process is now expected to be completed in a single day, given the league’s compact structure. With only five teams in the competition and a maximum squad size of 18 players, the event is unlikely to be a lengthy affair, even if close to 90 players enter the auction pool.

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The five teams, namely Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Delhi Capitals, UP Warriorz and Gujarat Giants, have until November 5 to submit their list of retained players. Each franchise is allowed to retain up to five players. Should a team opt for all five retentions, it will have INR 9.25 crore deducted from its INR 15 crore player purse, INR 3.5 crore for the first player, 2.5 crore for the second, 1.75 crore for the third, 1 crore for the fourth and 50 lakh for the fifth.

The BCCI has clarified that these retention figures are for salary-cap calculations and do not necessarily reflect the exact amount paid to players. “While the amount paid to an individual player may differ from the guideline price, the total amount based on the number of players retained will be used for salary cap calculation,” the board stated in a recent note to franchises.

For uncapped players, the guideline retention price is set at INR 50 lakh, with each team allowed to retain a maximum of two such players. Additionally, franchises can retain up to three capped Indian players and no more than two overseas players.

The BCCI has also approved the use of up to five Right to Match (RTM) cards. However, the number of RTMs available will depend on the number of players retained. Each retention reduces the number of RTMs by one, meaning a team retaining all five players will have no RTMs available, while a side entering the auction without any retentions can exercise up to five RTM options.

With the retention deadline approaching and the auction window confirmed, franchises are expected to finalise their strategies in the coming weeks as the buildup to the third WPL season gathers pace.