In the 2026 WPL mega auction, 2024 champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) strengthened their team by adding fast bowler Lauren Bell and left-arm spinner Linsey Smith. Meanwhile, Delhi Capitals (DC) secured the services of former South African opener and wicketkeeper Lizelle Lee for INR 30 lakh, who is now based in Australia.
In the wicketkeeper category, Isabella Gaze, Amy Jones, and Uma Chetry remained unsold. Meanwhile, Lizelle Lee, the former South African opener, was acquired by DC for INR 30 lakh.
England’s Lauren Bell was the standout pacer in the auction, with RCB and MI battling it out for her services before the former bagged the deal at INR 90 lakh. With her ability to generate bounce and move the ball both ways, Lauren Bell will now rejoin Smriti Mandhana at RCB, her former teammate at Southern Brave in The Hundred.
Despite no bids for Australian duo Darcie Brown and Lauren Cheatle, Kranti Gaud, part of India’s ODI World Cup-winning team, was bought by UPW after the franchise exercised their final RTM card. Listed at INR 50 lakh, Kranti attracted a lone bid from DC before UPW brought her back for the same amount.
MI bid for Shabnim Ismail before her name was even announced, and after brief competition from RCB, they secured her for INR 60 lakh. Titas Sadhu went to GG for INR 30 lakh, while Linsey Smith, standout with the new ball in the World Cup, was picked up by RCB for INR 30 lakh.
Asha was at the center of a fierce bidding war between DC and UPW, with RCB entering at INR 60 lakh, pushing the price past INR 1 crore. Ultimately, UPW secured her for INR 1.1 crore. Meanwhile, Priya Mishra, Saika Ishaque, Amanda-Jade Wellington, and Alana King remained unsold.
| Player | Team | Price (INR) |
| Lauren Bell | RCB | 90 lakh |
| Lizelle Lee | DC | 30 lakh |
| Kranti Gaud | UPW | 50 lakh (base price, re-bought with RTM) |
| Shabnim Ismail | MI | 60 lakh |
| Titas Sadhu | GG | 30 lakh |
| Linsey Smith | RCB | 30 lakh |
| Asha | UPW | 1.1 crore |
Players who did not receive any bids during the 2026 WPL mega auction
| Player | Status |
| Darcie Brown | Unsold |
| Lauren Cheatle | Unsold |
| Priya Mishra | Unsold |
| Amanda-Jade Wellington | Unsold |
| Saika Ishaque | Unsold |
| Alana King | Unsold |