WPL Auction 2026 Live Updates: The inaugural WPL mega auction promises intense bidding wars today, with 277 players — including 83 overseas names — set to go under the hammer as five franchises look to fill 73 squad slots. The auction’s biggest buzz centres around India’s World Cup-winning heroes Deepti Sharma, Kranti Gaud and Shree Charani, all expected to secure high-value deals after their stellar performances in India’s landmark ODI World Cup triumph earlier this month.

The marquee list is loaded with star power: India’s Deepti and Renuka Singh, New Zealand duo Sophie Devine and Amelia Kerr, England’s world No. 1 spinner Sophie Ecclestone, Australia’s Alyssa Healy and Meg Lanning, and South Africa’s prolific opener Laura Wolvaardt.

Deepti, adjudged Player of the Tournament and released by UP Warriorz, could spark a bidding frenzy. Kranti — who rose from being a Mumbai Indians net bowler to a national hero — and left-arm spinner Charani, who played a major role in India’s championship run, may also command top-tier deals.

Overseas stars are expected to dominate early bidding, especially Wolvaardt, who smashed centuries in both the World Cup semifinal and final. Rising talents like Phoebe Litchfield, Georgia Voll, Nadine de Klerk and Alana King also headline a competitive international group. Former Australia captain Meg Lanning, who retired from international cricket last year but remains in superb T20 form, is another marquee attraction.

UP Warriorz hold the biggest purse at Rs 14.5 crore, while Delhi Capitals have just Rs 5.70 crore, making their strategies crucial with no Right to Match cards available for MI or DC.

The WPL season is expected to begin January 7.