If you are searching for where the IPL Auction 2026 is happening, you should know it is not in India; it will be held at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi on December 16, 2025.
This is the third time the IPL auction is being held in a foreign land, not in India. It is one of the most famous events, as so many IPL and cricket fans love to see which players go to which teams.
Where Is IPL Auction 2026 Being Held?
The IPL Auction 2026 official venue is Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, UAE, a change that is postulated by the BCCI, and the third consecutive year the auction will be conducted abroad.
Having been a success in Dubai in 2024 and Jeddah in 2025, Abu Dhabi is selected due to its innovative infrastructure, logistics, and the fact that it can host international franchises and players without the inconvenience.
The global broadcasters and fans find it easy to watch the league in the UAE because of its time zone, which increases the global coverage of the league. The last time India held the IPL auction was in 2023 at Kochi, Kerala.
What Is the Expected Venue Setup for IPL Auction 2026?
The Etihad Arena will be turned into a high-energy auction hall where the franchise owners, team officials, and media will be seated with large screens that will show player statistics and current bids.
Your ballroom set-up will be reminiscent of the past auctions in Dubai and Jeddah, which had trouble-free operations and hosted media.
The modern facilities and the capacity of the arena make it an ideal venue in which high-profile cricketing events take place, including the IPL finals and other popular sporting events that have taken place there in recent years.
When Will the IPL Auction 2026 Take Place?
The IPL Auction 2026 is scheduled for December 16, 2025, kicking off at 2:30 PM IST (1:00 PM UAE time). For fans in other regions, that’s 5:00 AM EST (US East Coast) and 9:00 AM GMT (UK).
It is a mini-auction, one day like the 2025 mega auction, during which franchises have an opportunity to refine their squads before the new season.
Past IPL Auction Venues: Which Cities Have Hosted Before?
| City | Country | Year | Reason for Choice | Highlight/Memory |
| Mumbai | India | 2008 | Proximity to BCCI HQ, logistics | Inaugural auction, major bidding wars |
| Goa | India | 2009 | Unique location, relaxed vibe | First auction outside Mumbai |
| Mumbai | India | 2010 | Central location, franchise access | Increased franchise participation |
| Bengaluru | India | 2011 | Growing cricket infrastructure | High-profile player acquisitions |
| Chennai | India | 2013 | Strong cricket culture | Auctions amid IPL controversies |
| Jaipur | India | 2019 | Unique setting, Rajasthan Royals home | First auction in Rajasthan |
| Kochi | India | 2023 | First-time host, new infrastructure | First auction in Kerala |
| Jeddah | Saudi Arabia | 2025 | Expansion, global reach | Mega auction in the Middle East |
| Abu Dhabi | UAE | 2026 | Global reach, logistics, and facilities | Third consecutive overseas auction |
Why Does BCCI Change IPL Auction Venues?
The BCCI varies its location to ensure maximum broadcasting comfort, franchise, and international expansion. The global locations like Dubai, Jeddah, and Abu Dhabi have the best facilities, and as a result, international franchisees and players can easily join.
This development indicates how the IPL is aspiring to be a truly global cricket event, as the number of fans is increasing, as well as media coverage of the event across the world.
How Does the Auction Venue Impact Teams and Players?
The venue is critical in the construction of team travel schedules, pre-auction meetings, and strategic planning. During the auction, franchises frequently liaise with foreign coaches and support staff, and media contacts and player-agent deals are at their highest.
The international environment increases fan interest and audience popularity, as the auction is a must-attend event for cricket lovers worldwide.
FAQs:
The IPL Auction 2026 will be hosted by Abu Dhabi, at the Etihad Arena, which is one of the top arenas that hosts many sports and events.
Yes, it will be held overseas, continuing the recent trend of international venues. It will be the third time the mini auction and the auction are held in overseas venues.
Attendance is generally restricted to franchise officials, players, agents, and media. Fans can follow live streams and updates online.
The auction starts at 2:30 PM IST (1:00 PM UAE time) on December 16, 2025. You can watch this on the Jiohotstar app.