WPL 2026 set to host first-ever mega auction in November:Teams allowed to retain five players, RTM introduced in mega event; franchise purse limits 15 crores each

The Women’s Premier League (WPL) is gearing up for its first-ever mega auction, marking a major milestone in the tournament’s journey. According to reports, the retention deadline for all five franchises is November 5, while the auction is likely to take place between November 25 and 29. The WPL has officially communicated these details to all teams via email on Thursday. Ahead of the auction, each franchise can retain a maximum of five players, which can include three capped Indian players, two foreign players, and two uncapped Indian players. Importantly, if a team retains five players, at least one must be an uncapped Indian player. With the mega auction approaching, all eyes will be on how franchises balance their retentions and RTM options. The introduction of new rules promises a more strategic and competitive WPL 2026 season, offering both franchises and players exciting opportunities ahead. Franchises to plan smartly within ₹15 crore purse Each franchise has been allotted a total purse of ₹15 crore for the upcoming auction. However, depending on the number of players a team retains, a portion of this purse will be deducted. The WPL has introduced specific retention slabs to maintain fairness across teams. Also read: IPL 2026 auction likely to take place in December: Mega event expected to return to India; retention deadline set for November 15 If a team retains five players, ₹9.25 crore will be deducted from their auction purse. For four retentions, the deduction is ₹8.75 crore, for three it is ₹7.75 crore, for two ₹6 crore, and for one ₹3.5 crore. This structure ensures that every franchise balances between keeping core players and maintaining funds for new signings. Additionally, franchises are allowed to negotiate with players and retain them at a higher price than the retention slab. However, any extra amount spent beyond the slab will also be deducted from the team’s total auction purse. RTM Card introduced for the first time in WP 2026 In another major update, the Right-to-Match (RTM) card will be introduced in the WPL for the first time. The RTM allows teams to re-sign a player who was previously part of their squad if another franchise bids for her at the auction. Each team can use up to five RTM cards, but this depends on the number of retentions. If a team retains five players, it will not get any RTM cards. Teams with four retentions will get one RTM, with three retentions two RTMs, with two three RTMs, and with one four RTMs. Also read: Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli to play Vijay Hazare Trophy?: Selectors expect senior duo to feature in at least three rounds, tournament starts Dec 24- Report For example, if Mumbai Indians retain four players and wish to bring back Amandeep Kaur, who is bought by Delhi Capitals for ₹1 crore, the Mumbai Indians can use their RTM card to match the bid and keep Amandeep in their squad. Minimum salary for uncapped players set at ₹50 lakh The WPL has also set the minimum salary for uncapped Indian players at ₹50 lakh, though teams and players can mutually agree to increase this amount.