The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 mega auction, held in New Delhi, produced high-value signings and unexpected misses as 277 players went under the hammer on Thursday. UP Warriorz made the biggest splash of the day, using the Right-to-Match card to secure India all-rounder Deepti Sharma for ₹3.2 crore, the highest bid of the auction.
Mumbai Indians strengthened their line-up by signing New Zealand all-rounder Amelia Kerr for around ₹3 crore. Gujarat Giants added experience with Sophie Devine, bought for ₹2 crore. UP Warriorz also picked former Australia captain Meg Lanning for ₹1.9 crore, indicating a clear focus on leadership and balance.
In a major twist, Australian star Alyssa Healy, listed at a base price of ₹50 lakh, went unsold, surprising team officials and fans alike.
Ahead of the auction, Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals retained their full quota of five players each, while Royal Challengers Bengaluru kept four. UP Warriorz entered with the strongest purse of nearly ₹14.5 crore, giving them the flexibility to outbid rivals. Gujarat Giants had a purse of around ₹9 crore.
With squads capped at 18 players, teams used the auction to rebuild cores and add depth. The bidding trends suggested a shift toward all-rounders and value-driven picks, with franchises prioritising balance over big names.
The WPL’s fourth season is expected to see fresh combinations and new leadership groups as teams finalise their updated squads.
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