WPL Auction 2027: Date, Time, Players List, Teams and Live Updates
The WPL Auction 2027 is one of the biggest talking points ahead of the next season of women’s franchise cricket. With five teams preparing to strengthen their squads, the mini-auction will give franchises an opportunity to fill important gaps and build combinations for the upcoming tournament. Follow the latest cricket news, auction coverage and team updates on SportReport as the WPL 2027 auction unfolds in Kochi.
WPL Auction 2027: Date, Time and Venue
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has confirmed the auction schedule for the fifth edition of the Women’s Premier League. The event is scheduled to take place on October 28, 2026, at the Grand Hyatt Kochi in Kerala.
Here are the key details fans should know before the auction begins.
- Event: Women’s Premier League Auction 2027
- Auction Date: October 28, 2026
- Auction Time: 5:30 PM IST
- Venue: Grand Hyatt Kochi, Kerala
- Auction Format: Mini-auction
- Participating Teams: Five franchises
- Players Shortlisted: 146
- Available Slots: 27
- WPL 2027 Season: January 14 to February 7, 2027
For the latest confirmed announcements, visit the official WPL 2027 auction page. The tournament is expected to bring together established international cricketers and promising domestic players for another competitive season.
WPL 2027 Auction: How Many Players Are in the List?
According to the official auction announcement, 146 players have been shortlisted for the WPL 2027 mini-auction. The group includes Indian cricketers, overseas professionals and emerging players looking to secure a place in one of the five franchises.
The registered player pool consists of:
- Indian players: 119
- Capped Indian players: 22
- Uncapped Indian players: 97
- Overseas players: 27
- Capped overseas players: 14
- Uncapped overseas players: 13
Six of the overseas registrations are from Associate Nations. The teams will compete for 27 available squad positions, including 20 Indian-player slots and seven overseas-player slots.
These numbers make the auction particularly important for players hoping to enter the league. However, registration does not guarantee a contract, as the final outcome depends on franchise requirements, available budgets and bidding decisions.
The official WPL auction announcement provides further details about the shortlisted players.
Which Players Could Attract Attention?
Several experienced international cricketers and promising Indian players could attract interest during the WPL 2027 auction. The final bidding outcome will depend on the franchises’ requirements and how the auction develops.
Sophia Dunkley
England batter Sophia Dunkley has registered at a base price of ₹50 lakh. Her experience in international cricket and ability to contribute in the top order could make her an interesting option for a team seeking batting depth.
Sophie Molineux
Australian all-rounder Sophie Molineux has also entered at the highest listed base price of ₹50 lakh. Players who can contribute with both bat and ball often provide franchises with tactical flexibility, making her one to watch.
G. Kamalini
Indian wicketkeeper-batter G. Kamalini is among the players registered at a base price of ₹40 lakh. Young domestic players can become valuable additions when franchises are planning for both immediate needs and future seasons.
Kiran Navgire
Kiran Navgire is another Indian player registered at ₹40 lakh. Her potential role in the batting lineup may attract teams looking to improve their power-hitting options.
Heather Graham and Jess Jonassen
Australian all-rounders Heather Graham and Jess Jonassen have also registered at a base price of ₹40 lakh. Their experience and versatility could appeal to teams that need additional options across multiple departments.
A player’s base price is only the starting point for bidding. The eventual contract value, if a player is sold, depends on competition between interested franchises.
WPL 2027 Auction: Teams and Their Strategies
All five franchises will enter the auction with different squad requirements. Since this is a mini-auction, teams will focus on filling vacancies rather than rebuilding their entire squads.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru
Royal Challengers Bengaluru will look to maintain the balance that helped them win the previous season. Their auction decisions may focus on adding suitable backup players, strengthening bowling depth and ensuring the squad has enough options across the tournament.
Mumbai Indians
Mumbai Indians have a strong core of experienced players. Their priorities may include finding suitable replacements where required and adding depth to the batting or bowling departments without exceeding their remaining budget.
Delhi Capitals
Delhi Capitals will aim to improve their squad balance and build a combination capable of competing consistently throughout the season. The availability of specialist bowlers, all-rounders and backup batters could influence their choices.
Gujarat Giants
Gujarat Giants will have to evaluate their available positions carefully. Selecting players who can perform specific roles may be more important than spending heavily on a single name.
UP Warriorz
UP Warriorz have a larger rebuilding opportunity because they have more vacancies to fill and a comparatively larger remaining purse, according to the reported pre-auction figures. Their challenge will be to distribute that budget effectively across the squad.
These are potential strategic priorities rather than confirmed bidding plans. Actual decisions will depend on the players available when each franchise is called to bid.
WPL 2027 Auction: Remaining Purse and Available Slots
The amount available to each team influences how aggressively it can compete for players. Based on reported figures published before the auction, the franchises have different remaining budgets and squad vacancies.
| Team | Reported remaining purse | Available slots |
|---|---|---|
| UP Warriorz | ₹3.75 crore | 8 |
| Gujarat Giants | ₹1.25 crore | 3 |
| Royal Challengers Bengaluru | ₹1.15 crore | 5 |
| Delhi Capitals | ₹1.10 crore | 5 |
| Mumbai Indians | ₹90 lakh | 6 |
These are pre-auction figures and should be checked against the official auction dashboard for any final changes. A larger purse offers greater flexibility, but teams must also consider the number of positions they need to fill and the players available in each category.
The salary cap for the season is ₹15 crore per team. Franchises must manage their spending carefully while assembling a squad of up to 18 players.
Why the WPL 2027 Mini-Auction Matters
A mini-auction may feature fewer available positions than a mega-auction, but its impact can still be significant. A carefully chosen player can solve a specific problem and improve the team’s overall balance.
There are several factors that could shape the WPL 2027 auction:
1. Indian domestic talent
With 119 Indian players in the shortlist, domestic talent will be an important part of the auction. Franchises may look for young batters, wicketkeepers, seamers and spinners who can develop within the team.
2. Overseas all-rounders
Players who can contribute in more than one department provide valuable flexibility. Their roles may become particularly important when teams are balancing overseas-player limits with their tactical plans.
3. Specialist bowling options
T20 matches can turn quickly, and franchises need bowlers who can handle different phases of an innings. Teams may prioritise new-ball movement, middle-over control or reliable death bowling depending on their existing squads.
4. Backup wicketkeepers and batters
Squad depth is essential over a long tournament. A reliable backup can help a franchise manage injuries, changes in form and tactical adjustments.
5. Budget management
Teams must balance their interest in individual players against the need to complete a functional squad. A disciplined bidding approach can be just as important as signing a headline name.
WPL 2027 Auction: What Fans Should Watch
The most interesting part of an auction is often the difference between expectations and the final outcome. Some players may attract intense bidding, while others may be available at a lower price than expected.
Fans should watch which franchises target Indian domestic prospects, whether teams prioritise all-rounders, and how the remaining budgets affect the competition for overseas players.
The number of available slots also matters. A team with several vacancies may need to spread its budget across multiple roles, while a franchise with fewer openings can focus on one or two specific additions.
Player availability and final contract values should be confirmed through official auction reporting rather than assumptions based on base prices or reputation.
WPL 2027 Season: When Will the Tournament Begin?
The fifth edition of the Women’s Premier League is scheduled to run from January 14 to February 7, 2027. The auction is an important step in preparing the five squads for the new season.
Once the player selections are complete, fans can assess how each team has improved its batting, bowling and all-round options. The final squads will also provide a clearer picture of the potential contenders for the title.
For wider cricket coverage, match previews and tournament updates, readers can explore ESPNcricinfo alongside official WPL announcements.
Where to Follow WPL Auction 2027 Live Updates
For reliable updates, start with the official WPL website and its auction coverage. Reputable cricket news platforms can also provide reporting on player sales, unsold players, franchise spending and completed squads.
During the auction, check the following details as they become available:
- Players sold and their final contract prices
- Players who remain unsold
- Team-wise purse remaining
- Vacant squad positions
- Overseas-player combinations
- Final squad lists after the auction
The most useful update is one that distinguishes confirmed auction results from predictions and rumours. Fans should rely on published results before treating a player’s team or contract value as final.
Final Thoughts
The WPL Auction 2027 gives all five franchises an opportunity to address squad gaps before the new season begins. With 146 players shortlisted and 27 positions available, teams will need to balance experience, emerging talent and budget limitations.
Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Molineux, G. Kamalini, Kiran Navgire, Heather Graham and Jess Jonassen are among the registered players worth watching, but the final outcomes will depend on franchise demand and the bidding process.
As the auction progresses, the focus will shift from player lists to completed squads and the combinations each team builds for the tournament. Follow SportReport for the latest WPL auction news, cricket updates and upcoming match coverage.
