Australia captain Sophie Molineux was the highest-paid player at the WPL 2027 auction as UP Warriorz signed her for ₹1.10 crore. The Women's Premier League mini auction was held in Kochi on October 28, 2026 as all teams worked to assemble their strongest teams going into this season. Molineux was a hot topic with UP Warriorz and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), but UP won the race.

Sophie Molineux Top of WPL 2027 Auction

Sophie Molineux was the most popular player in the auction as she had a starting bid of ₹50 lakh. She has incredible all-round skills and experience from international cricket. The Australian left arm spin-bowling all-rounder was signed to UP Warriorz for ₹1.10 crore and became the most-expensive player in the WPL 2027 auction.

She had previously been at Royal Challengers Bengaluru and helped them to their first winning WPL campaign in 2024. However, she missed the 2026 season due to a hip injury and will now return to play in the Women's Premier League wearing the UP Warriorz jersey.

UP Warriorz Sign Eight Players

Overall, UP Warriorz were the most active at the WPL 2027 mini auction as they signed eight players. Sophie Molineux was joined by Grace Harris, an experienced all-rounder, Sneh Rana (all-rounder from India), Sushma Verma (wicketkeeper-batter), Asha Sobhana (leg spinner), Kathryn Bryce (Scotland), Manali Dakshini, and Sahana Pawar (both up-and-coming players from India).

This gives them more variety in batting, spinning and all-rounding. Molineux's signing can be especially crucial as they look to create a strong team.

Kiran Navgire Most Expensive Indian

Another big name was Kiran Navgire. She was signed by Delhi Capitals for ₹75 lakh, making her the most expensive Indian. The batter has power in her hitting which can give the Delhi Capitals more strength in their batting.

Gujarat Giants also strengthened their team as they picked up G. Kamalini (wicketkeeper-batter from India) for ₹40 lakh and Orla Prendergast (all-rounder from Ireland) for ₹30 lakh.

RCB, Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals Pick Up Key Signings

Royal Challengers Bengaluru, who are the defending champions, picked up a few key signings throughout the fast-paced rounds. Jess Jonassen (all-rounder from Australia) was signed for ₹40 lakh, Chloe Tryon (all-rounder from South Africa) for ₹30 lakh, Tejal Hasabnis (batter from India) for ₹30 lakh and Vrinda Dinesh for ₹10 lakh.

Mumbai Indians focussed on signing up-and-coming Indian players. They signed Disha Kasat, Latika Inamdar, Bharti Rawal, Shweta Sehrawat, Akshita Bhagat, and Nazma Khan (all-rounder). Delhi Capitals also signed a variety of players to include Kirstie Gordon (bowler), Nazma Khan (all-rounder) and Uma Kashvi.

WPL 2027 Auction Left Some Big Names Unpicked

However, not every well-known international player was signed. Chamari Athapaththu (captain of Sri Lanka), Sophia Dunkley (batter from England), and Tayla Vlaeminck (fast bowler from Australia) did not get any bids.

This shows that the franchises have been looking to balance their teams and budgets. Due to the lack of spots, teams must make important decisions as to whether they want their team to be strong with experienced international players or go with up-and-coming players.

When Does WPL 2027 Start?

The Women's Premier League 2027 season will be held from January 14 to February 7. There are five franchises in the league and defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru will be looking to win again.

One of the biggest stories going into the WPL 2027 is the signing of Sophie Molineux. Her addition to the tournament and UP Warriorz's signees makes the upcoming women's T20 season even more exciting. Fans will be keen to see how the teams perform after the mini auction and who will stand out.