WPL 2026 mega auction will take place in November; DC, MI and RCB against the overhaul

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will reportedly hold the mega auction for the Women’s Premier League (WPL 2026) by the end of November. The league, which commenced two years ago, has never had a mega auction so far. As per reports, the franchises have been informally informed about the plan to hold the mega auction by the board.

WPL 2026 mega auction in November

As per ESPNCricinfo, the franchises – Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Delhi Capitals, UP Warriorz, Gujarat Giants – are waiting to hear from the BCCI on the number of retentions, Right to Match (RTM), auction purse and other details. The report states that these decisions will be finalized in the WPL committee meeting. The third edition of the WPL is expected to be held in January-February 2026 window, although the dates have not been finalized yet.

Inaugural champions RCB, defending champions MI and Delhi Capitals are reportedly against the mega-auction. All three teams feel that dismantling a team that has taken three years to put together at a time when WPL is getting established could be counter productive. On the other hand, Gujarat Giants and UP Warriorz are eager to revamp their squads and back the idea of having a mega auction.

An WPL official told the publication that it was important for all five teams to be strong as imbalance could otherwise affect the WPL brand. The official claimed that the teams would be allowed to retain their core. WPL teams are likely going to be allowed to make five retentions.

RCB captain Smrit Mandhana, the first player to be bought at the inaugural WPL auction (2023), remains the most expensive buy at Rs 3.2 cr ($415,000 approx.).