WPL 2026 auction: Deepti, Wolvaardt, Ecclestone, Healy lead star-studded marquee set

The Women’s Premier League (WPL) is bracing up for the 2026 mega auction scheduled for November 27 in New Delhi. A total of 277 cricketers have thrown their names into the ring, and the bidding will open with a star-studded marquee set featuring world-class players, led by India’s Deepti Sharma. 

This year’s mega auction arrives shortly after a thrilling Women’s World Cup. Only 73 of the 277 registered players will earn a contract, including 23 overseas slots. Franchises together have INR 41.1 crore to spend, with UP Warriorz (UPW) holding the biggest purse. Notably, the marquee group contains eight names, and their bidding is expected to grab significant attention.

Indian all-rounder Deepti and pacer Renuka Singh headline the marquee set from the home contingent. They join international players like Sophie Devine, Sophie Ecclestone, Alyssa Healy, Meg Lanning, Amelia Kerr, and Laura Wolvaardt. Interestingly, only Renuka (INR 40 lakh) and Wolvaardt (INR 30 lakh) have opted for a base price below the maximum INR 50 lakh slab. Three marquee players, Deepti, Ecclestone, and Healy, have previously represented UP Warriorz, who enter the auction with four right-to-match (RTM) cards available. 

Out of 277 entrants, 83 are international players vying for the 23 overseas slots. England’s representation remains strong with 22 names, followed by New Zealand with 13 and South Africa with 11. With Sri Lankan trio of Chamari Athapaththu, Harshitha Samarawickrama, and Inoka Ranaweera, while Thailand’s Thipatcha Putthawong and USA’s Tara Norris stand out as Associate entries.

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Among capped all-rounders, India’s Harleen Deol has positioned herself in the top bracket with an INR 50 lakh base price. Gujarat Giants, however, cannot use RTM on Australia’s Phoebe Litchfield due to already retaining two overseas stars.

The first spinner set includes Australia’s Alana King (INR 40 lakh), alongside India’s Asha Sobhana, Priya Mishra, and former Mumbai Indians left-arm spinner Saika Ishaque (all at INR 30 lakh). UP Warriorz lead the financial table with INR 14.50 crore, followed by Gujarat Giants with INR 9 crore. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (INR 6.15 crore), Mumbai Indians (INR 5.75 crore), and Delhi Capitals (INR 5.70 crore) round out the list.