The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2027 mini-auction is scheduled to take place in Kochi on Wednesday, October 28, with all five franchises looking to complete their squads ahead of the upcoming season. The event will give teams another opportunity to bring in fresh talent and strengthen areas that need attention.
According to the auction details provided, 146 players are included in the list, comprising 119 Indian cricketers and 27 overseas players. However, the number of available squad positions is limited, which means teams will have to make careful decisions during the bidding process.
When and Where Is the WPL 2027 Auction?
The WPL 2027 mini-auction is scheduled for October 28 at the Grand Hyatt Kochi in Kerala. The bidding is expected to begin at 5:30 PM IST.
Fans will be able to follow the auction to see which players find new teams, how much franchises are willing to spend and which squads emerge with stronger combinations.
The key details are listed below:
- Date: Wednesday, October 28, 2026
- Venue: Grand Hyatt Kochi, Kerala
- Starting time: 5:30 PM IST
- Players in the auction pool: 146
- Number of franchises: Five
How to Watch the WPL 2027 Auction Live
Cricket fans in India can check the announced broadcast options for television and online coverage.
The Star Sports Network is listed as the television broadcaster for the auction. Digital viewers can check JioHotstar for live streaming through its app or website. Subscription requirements and availability may vary according to the platform’s current terms.
Following the auction live will allow fans to keep track of bidding battles, successful signings and the decisions each franchise makes with its remaining budget.
Players Who Could Be in Demand
Several experienced international cricketers and Indian players feature among the names to watch at the auction. Their eventual value will depend on team requirements and competition between franchises.
Sophie Molineux — ₹50 lakh
The Australian all-rounder is among the players with a reserve price of ₹50 lakh. Her left-arm spin and batting ability could be useful for a team seeking another versatile option.
Sophia Dunkley — ₹50 lakh
England batter Sophia Dunkley could appeal to franchises looking for additional firepower in their batting order. Her reserve price is also ₹50 lakh.
G Kamalini — ₹40 lakh
The Indian wicketkeeper-batter is listed at ₹40 lakh. She could be considered by teams looking to add depth to their wicketkeeping and batting options.
Heather Graham — ₹40 lakh
The Australian all-rounder offers the potential to contribute in both batting and bowling. Her reserve price is ₹40 lakh.
Kiran Navgire — ₹40 lakh
Indian batter Kiran Navgire is another name to follow. Her attacking approach could be an advantage for teams searching for power-hitting options.
Jess Jonassen — ₹40 lakh
The experienced Australian all-rounder is listed at ₹40 lakh. Her left-arm spin and ability to contribute with the bat could make her a useful addition to the right squad.
These figures represent reserve prices rather than confirmed signing amounts. A player’s final price will depend on the bidding.
Which WPL Team Has the Biggest Budget Left?
The five franchises enter the mini-auction with different amounts of money and different numbers of vacancies. These differences could influence their approach to the bidding.
| Team | Remaining purse | Vacant places | Overseas places |
|---|---|---|---|
| UP Warriorz | ₹3.75 crore | 8 | 3 |
| Gujarat Giants | ₹1.25 crore | 3 | 1 |
| Royal Challengers Bengaluru | ₹1.15 crore | 5 | 2 |
| Delhi Capitals | ₹1.10 crore | 5 | 1 |
| Mumbai Indians | ₹90 lakh | 6 | 0 |
UP Warriorz have the largest remaining purse and the most available squad positions among the five teams listed. This gives them greater room to compete for multiple players.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru have two overseas positions available, while Delhi Capitals and Gujarat Giants each have one. Mumbai Indians have no overseas vacancies remaining, so their recruitment will need to focus on Indian players.
The available purse figures suggest that teams with limited budgets may need to prioritise specific roles instead of entering bidding contests for several high-demand players.
Why Squad Balance Will Matter
The mini-auction is not just about signing the biggest names. Teams also need players who fit their existing combinations and can strengthen particular departments.
Some franchises may focus on all-rounders who offer flexibility with bat and ball. Others could prioritise specialist bowlers, wicketkeepers or batters capable of performing under pressure.
The auction is being conducted as a mini-auction rather than a full squad rebuild. The Right to Match option is reported to be unavailable, making advance planning and disciplined bidding particularly important.
The reported salary cap is ₹15 crore per franchise. With the teams already having retained players, their remaining funds will determine how much they can offer for new signings.
What to Expect From the WPL 2027 Auction
The auction will help determine how the five franchises complete their squads for the next WPL campaign. The outcome could depend on which players attract competition, how teams manage their budgets and whether they can secure the specific roles they need.
For fans, the biggest talking points will include the final destinations of the leading names, the prices paid for overseas players and the young Indian cricketers who earn opportunities.
With limited vacancies and different financial situations across the franchises, the auction could bring several interesting decisions before preparations for WPL 2027 move into the next phase.
This article is based on the auction information supplied for publication. Dates, player availability, financial figures and broadcast details should be checked against official announcements before publishing.
