The preparations for the 2027 Women’s Premier League (WPL) season are moving forward as the five franchises get ready for the upcoming mini-auction in Kochi. Scheduled for October 28, 2026, the auction will give teams an opportunity to fill gaps in their squads and add fresh talent ahead of the new season.
According to the available auction details, 146 players are set to be part of the event. The list includes 119 Indian players and 27 overseas cricketers. With only a limited number of places available across the five teams, franchises will need to balance their remaining budgets with their squad requirements.
WPL 2027 Mini-Auction: Key Details
The auction is scheduled to take place at the Grand Hyatt Kochi in Kerala. The proceedings are expected to begin at 5:30 PM IST on Wednesday, October 28.
Here are the main details of the event:
- Auction date: October 28, 2026
- Venue: Grand Hyatt Kochi, Kerala
- Start time: 5:30 PM IST
- Players listed: 146
- Indian players: 119
- Overseas players: 27
- Participating franchises: Five
The mini-auction is an important step in the build-up to WPL 2027, as teams look to strengthen their combinations without making wholesale changes to their existing squads.
WPL 2027 Auction Live Telecast and Streaming
Fans looking to follow the auction can check the television and digital broadcast options listed for India.
The live television coverage is scheduled to be available on the Star Sports Network. Online viewers can check the JioHotstar app and website for live streaming. Access may depend on the platform’s subscription requirements and current broadcast arrangements.
The auction will allow fans to follow bidding developments, see which players attract the highest offers and track how each franchise uses its remaining purse.
Six Players Who Could Attract Attention
Several names stand out on the auction list because of their experience, playing abilities and reserve prices.
1. Sophia Dunkley
England batter Sophia Dunkley has a reserve price of ₹50 lakh. Her ability to play attacking cricket could make her an option for teams looking to strengthen their batting line-up.
2. Sophie Molineux
Australian all-rounder Sophie Molineux is also listed at ₹50 lakh. Her left-arm spin and batting skills could offer valuable flexibility to a franchise seeking a player who can contribute in multiple departments.
3. G Kamalini
Indian wicketkeeper-batter G Kamalini has a reserve price of ₹40 lakh. She could attract interest from teams looking for additional wicketkeeping cover and batting depth.
4. Heather Graham
Australian all-rounder Heather Graham is listed at ₹40 lakh. Her ability to contribute with both bat and ball could make her a useful option for teams working to improve their overall balance.
5. Kiran Navgire
Indian batter Kiran Navgire has a base price of ₹40 lakh. Her power-hitting ability could appeal to franchises looking for additional firepower in the batting order.
6. Jess Jonassen
Australian all-rounder Jess Jonassen is another player listed at ₹40 lakh. Her international experience and left-arm spin could help a team strengthen its bowling resources while retaining batting depth.
The reserve price is only the starting point for bidding. The final contract value, if a player is sold, will depend on the auction process.
Remaining Purse and Squad Slots for All Five Franchises
The five teams enter the auction with different budgets and squad requirements. Their remaining purses will influence how aggressively they can compete for the available players.
| Franchise | Purse remaining | Open squad slots | Overseas slots |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi Capitals | ₹1.10 crore | 5 | 1 |
| Gujarat Giants | ₹1.25 crore | 3 | 1 |
| Mumbai Indians | ₹90 lakh | 6 | 0 |
| Royal Challengers Bengaluru | ₹1.15 crore | 5 | 2 |
| UP Warriorz | ₹3.75 crore | 8 | 3 |
UP Warriorz have the largest remaining purse at ₹3.75 crore, along with eight available squad positions. This gives them more financial room to pursue players who fit their requirements.
Gujarat Giants have three open positions and ₹1.25 crore available, while Delhi Capitals have five places to fill with ₹1.10 crore remaining.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru have ₹1.15 crore left and two overseas positions available. Mumbai Indians, meanwhile, have six open squad positions but no overseas slots remaining, making Indian players their primary option for further recruitment.
What Is Different About the WPL 2027 Mini-Auction?
A mini-auction allows franchises to make targeted additions based on the strengths and weaknesses of their retained squads. Rather than rebuilding their teams, the franchises can focus on specific roles, including specialist bowling, middle-order batting, wicketkeeping and all-round abilities.
According to the supplied auction information, the Right to Match (RTM) option will not be available. This means teams will need to be strategic with their bids, especially when competing for players who could fill important gaps.
The reported salary cap is ₹15 crore per franchise. With most teams operating on limited remaining budgets, careful spending could prove just as important as securing high-profile players.
Why the Auction Matters Ahead of WPL 2027
The mini-auction could have a significant influence on the balance of the next WPL season. A well-targeted signing can strengthen a team’s playing XI, provide cover for unavailable players or improve its options in specific match situations.
Overseas all-rounders may be particularly valuable because they can contribute in more than one department. At the same time, Indian players will remain important for franchises looking to complete their squads within the available budget and overseas-player limits.
The final outcome will depend on bidding competition, the players selected and how well each franchise addresses its remaining needs.
As the auction gets underway in Kochi, fans will be watching closely to see which teams make the most effective additions and which players secure new opportunities in the Women’s Premier League.
Editorial note: The auction details, purse figures and broadcast information in this report are based on the supplied material. Confirm them with official WPL or BCCI announcements before publishing.
