WPL 2027 Auction: Date, Time, Venue, Team Purses, Key Players; All You Need To Know

New Delhi, Oct 27: The Women's Premier League (WPL) 2027 auction is set to take place in Kochi on Wednesday, October 28, with five franchises looking to strengthen their squads ahead of the upcoming season. Unlike the previous mega-auction, which brought significant changes to every team, this mini-auction will focus on filling specific gaps and improving squad balance.

A total of 146 players will go under the hammer for 27 available slots, including 20 places for Indian players and seven for overseas cricketers. UP Warriorz entering the auction with the biggest purse and several high-profile overseas names available, the bidding could play a crucial role in shaping the teams' prospects for WPL 2027.

WPL 2027 Auction: Schedule

The WPL 2027 auction will be held at the Grand Hyatt Kochi in Kerala on Wednesday, October 28. The bidding is scheduled to begin at 5:30 PM IST.

The auction will follow a mini-auction format, meaning franchises will retain the core of their squads while targeting players to address specific weaknesses. With only 27 slots available across the five teams, competition for the most sought-after players is expected to be intense.

• Event: WPL 2027 Mini-Auction
• Date: Wednesday, October 28
• Venue: Grand Hyatt Kochi, Kerala
• Start time: 5:30 PM IST
• Players in the auction pool: 146
• Available slots: 27
• Indian player slots: 20
• Overseas player slots: 7

WPL 2027 Auction: Team-Wise Purse and Available Slots

The overall purse remains unchanged at INR 15 crore per franchise. However, the amount available for the mini-auction varies depending on player releases and the number of vacancies.

WPL 2027 Auction: Overseas Players To Watch

Several experienced overseas cricketers could attract interest during the WPL 2027 mini-auction.

Grace Harris is among the most prominent names after being released by Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Harris previously formed an effective opening partnership with Smriti Mandhana, but the return of Ellyse Perry after missing the 2026 season for personal reasons appears to have influenced RCB's squad planning.

Australia's Sophie Molineux is another major name to watch. The T20 World Cup-winning captain was part of RCB's title-winning squad in 2024 but missed the 2025 season through injury and withdrew from the 2026 campaign. Listed at a base price of INR 50 lakh, she offers lower-order batting and a reliable left-arm bowling option.

Former Delhi Capitals player Jess Jonassen could also attract attention. The Australian allrounder missed the 2026 season due to a shoulder injury and could provide experience and balance to a team seeking an overseas spin-bowling option.

WPL 2027 Auction: Indian Players To Watch Out

The auction could also provide a platform for emerging Indian cricketers to make their mark in the WPL.

Vrinda Dinesh and Gongadi Trisha, both associated with India's successful Under-19 women's cricket setup, are among the domestic batting prospects to watch. Their performances at the junior level could make them attractive options for franchises looking to invest in young Indian talent.

Mumbai's 15-year-old Ira Jadhav is another name generating interest after making an impression in the Mumbai T20 League. With 20 Indian slots available, uncapped players could play an important role in completing squads without requiring franchises to spend heavily on established stars.

WPL 2027 Auction Format: How Will the Bidding Work?

The auction is expected to begin with a full round of capped players, divided into categories in the following order:

• Batters
• Allrounders
• Wicketkeepers
• Fast bowlers
• Spinners

A full round of uncapped players will follow. The accelerated auction process could begin after Player No. 50, covering the remaining names from the 146-player list.

After the first accelerated round, franchises will be asked to nominate a specified number of players. Teams will then have the opportunity to submit names of unsold players from the original list for subsequent accelerated rounds.

This structure allows franchises to prioritise their immediate requirements before revisiting players who initially go unsold.

Mini-Auction Set To Give WPL Franchises Tune Their Squads

The WPL 2027 auction represents an opportunity for franchises to fine-tune their squads after the first mega-auction ahead of the 2026 season. Teams have assessed their performances and identified areas requiring improvement, with player releases creating opportunities to bring in fresh talent.

UP Warriorz have made the biggest changes, releasing eight players and entering the auction with eight vacancies. Their approach will be closely watched after they finished last in the 2026 season and failed to reach the final in four attempts.

Other franchises have also made notable decisions. Royal Challengers Bengaluru released Australian allrounder Grace Harris, while the availability of experienced overseas players such as Sophie Molineux and Jess Jonassen could create opportunities for teams seeking additional depth.

With limited slots and varying purse sizes, franchises will need to balance immediate squad requirements against the long-term value of each signing.