WPL 2026 Auction Results: Deepti, Devine Top Bids Revealed

WPL 2026 Auction Results: Deepti, Devine Top Bids Revealed

The dust has settled on the high-stakes WPL 2026 auction, and the women’s cricket world is buzzing with the results. In a thrilling bidding war that showcased the league’s growing financial muscle and strategic depth, India’s all-rounder Deepti Sharma emerged as the costliest player, fetching a staggering ₹3.2 crore from UP Warriorz using their Right to Match (RTM) card. Close behind was New Zealand’s explosive batter Sophie Devine, who was snapped up by Gujarat Giants for a cool ₹2 crore. With the fourth season of the Women’s Premier League kicking off on January 9 in Navi Mumbai and Vadodara , these signings will shape the title race .

Table of Contents

• WPL 2026 Auction: Top Buys and Shockers
• Deepti Sharma: RTM and the Record-Breaking Bid
• Sophie Devine to Gujarat Giants: A Big Statement
• Other Key Signings Across Franchises
• Notable Unsold Players and Their Impact
• How the Auction Shapes the WPL 2026 Title Race
• Conclusion
• Sources

WPL 2026 Auction: Top Buys and Shockers

Held ahead of the January 9 start date, the WPL 2026 mega auction was a strategic masterclass for all five franchises. With only 73 player slots available—including just 23 for overseas talent—the pressure was on to build balanced, resilient squads. Every bid and pass carried significant weight, and the market’s verdict on player value was both revealing and surprising [[2], [6]].

Deepti Sharma: RTM and the Record-Breaking Bid

The headline of the WPL 2026 auction was undoubtedly Deepti Sharma’s retention by UP Warriorz. While her base price was set at ₹2.2 crore, her immense value as a genuine all-rounder—capable of bowling crucial overs and anchoring the chase—made her the subject of intense interest. UP Warriorz wisely used their RTM card to secure her without entering a bidding war, locking in a player who was instrumental in their previous campaigns. This move not only saved them budget but also gave them a rock-solid core around which to build their 2026 challenge [[1], [3]].

Sophie Devine to Gujarat Giants: A Big Statement

After failing to defend their title last season, Gujarat Giants came into the auction with a point to prove. Their acquisition of Sophie Devine for ₹2 crore was a loud and clear message: they are serious contenders. Devine, a proven match-winner with both bat and ball, brings the explosive X-factor that can change a game in a few overs. Her base price was ₹1.8 crore, but Gujarat wasn’t willing to risk losing her to another franchise. This signing is a major boost for their middle-order and leadership on the field [[1], [5]].

Other Key Signings Across Franchises

Beyond the two marquee names, several other strategic buys defined the auction:

• Smriti Mandhana was retained by Royal Challengers Bangalore, continuing her role as a franchise icon.
• Harmanpreet Kaur remained with Mumbai Indians, the defending champions looking to build on their legacy.
• Ashleigh Gardner was secured by a new franchise at a competitive price, adding world-class off-spin and power-hitting.
• Young Indian talents like Shreyanka Patil and Minnu Mani also fetched impressive bids, signaling the league’s investment in the future.

Franchises were particularly shrewd in managing their overseas quotas, often opting for versatile players who can contribute in multiple departments—a trend that reflects the evolving tactics of modern T20 cricket .

Notable Unsold Players and Their Impact

The auction also had its share of surprises, most notably the unsold status of Australian wicketkeeper Alyssa Healy. Despite her global stature, recurring injuries—including a recent calf strain—likely made franchises hesitant to commit significant funds . Her absence from the league is a talking point, but it also underscores the WPL’s business-first approach: performance and availability trump reputation alone.

How the Auction Shapes the WPL 2026 Title Race

With the squads now nearly finalized, the stage is set for an epic title battle. Mumbai Indians remain favorites with their core intact, but UP Warriorz—now with a fully fit Deepti Sharma—look formidable. Gujarat Giants’ aggressive spending on Devine could be the catalyst they needed. For fans playing [INTERNAL_LINK:Fantasy Cricket], this auction has completely reshuffled the player valuations and captaincy choices for the upcoming season .

Conclusion

The WPL 2026 auction wasn’t just about big numbers—it was about smart strategy, calculated risks, and building teams for a compact, high-pressure tournament running from January 9 to February 5. From record bids to shocking omissions, the auction has set the narrative for what promises to be the most competitive Women’s Premier League yet.

Sources

• Times of India: WPL 2026 Auction: Who Got Whom — Base Price, Final Bid and Team Details
• [INTERNAL_LINK:WPL 2026 schedule] – Official tournament dates and venues
• [1], [2], [3], [4], [5], [6], [7], [8], [9]