WPL 2026 Auction: Right to match Introduced,Streaming & TV Details Confirmed
the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 auction is set to unfold with a new strategic element – the Right to Match (RTM) card - allowing teams to retain key players amidst fierce bidding. Fans in India can follow all the action live on star sports Network TV channels and via live streaming on the JioCinema app and website.
This year’s auction carries meaningful weight as franchises finalize their squads for the 2026 season, building upon the momentum of the league’s growing popularity and competitive intensity. The introduction of the RTM card adds a layer of tactical complexity, potentially driving up prices for sought-after players and reshaping team compositions. Currently, Smriti Mandhana holds the record as the most expensive player in WPL history, having been acquired by Royal Challengers Bengaluru for INR 3.4 crore in the 2023 mega auction.
Remaining Purse Values: Specific purse amounts for each team ahead of the auction have not been publicly released,but teams will be strategizing to maximize their remaining funds.
how the Right to Match Works: the RTM card enables teams to match the highest bid made by a rival franchise for a player they previously retained. This provides a crucial advantage in securing core players and preventing them from joining competing squads.
Where to watch Live:
* TV: Star Sports Network channels
* streaming: JioCinema app and website.