The WPL 2027 mini-auction concluded in Kochi on Wednesday, October 28, after three and a half hours of bidding, with Australia captain Sophie Molineux emerging as the biggest signing. UP Warriorz secured the star all-rounder for Rs 1.1 crore, making her the most expensive player at the auction.
With most teams having already established their core groups, the auction did not witness any aggressive bidding battles several prominent names went unsold.
Only 25 players were sold at the auction, with reigning champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru making a few late additions during the accelerated phase. Mumbai Indians, meanwhile, focused on young talent, signing six uncapped Indian players.
Here are the top buys from the WPL 2027 mini-auction.
1. Sophie Molineux – UP Warriorz (Rs 1.1 crore)
Australia captain Sophie Molineux was the biggest buy at the WPL 2027 mini-auction after UP Warriorz secured her services for Rs 1.1 crore. The bidding opened at Rs 50 lakh, with Royal Challengers Bengaluru pushing the price to Rs 1.05 crore before UP Warriorz made the decisive bid.
Molineux was part of RCB's title-winning squad in 2024 but missed the 2026 season due to a hip injury. The Australian all-rounder returned to action during Australia's T20I series against New Zealand following a two-month absence. Her signing gives UP Warriorz an experienced left-arm spinner and a valuable all-round option for the new season.
2. Kiran Navgire – Delhi Capitals (Rs 75 lakh)
Delhi Capitals signed batter Kiran Navgire for Rs 75 lakh after outbidding Mumbai Indians in one of the auction's notable contests. Mumbai opened the bidding at Rs 40 lakh for the batter, who represented UP Warriorz last season, before Delhi joined the race.
The bidding intensified as the two franchises competed for Navgire, with the price eventually reaching Rs 70 lakh. Delhi then raised the offer to Rs 75 lakh, prompting Mumbai Indians to withdraw. Mumbai had entered the auction with the smallest remaining purse 90 lakhs among the five teams, limiting their ability to continue the contest.
Navgire's acquisition gives Delhi another batting option as the franchise looks to strengthen its squad for WPL 2027.
3. G Kamalini – Gujarat Giants (Rs 40 lakh)
Gujarat Giants signed 18-year-old wicketkeeper-batter G Kamalini for Rs 40 lakh, making her one of the most notable Indian acquisitions at the auction. The bidding opened at her base price, with no other franchise entering the contest.
Kamalini spent the previous two seasons with Mumbai Indians before being released ahead of the new campaign. She has scored 104 runs in 10 WPL innings, with a highest score of 32. The youngster had attracted significant attention at the 2024 auction, where Mumbai Indians secured her for Rs 1.6 crore.
Her availability for the upcoming season, however, could depend on her selection for India's squad for the Women's Under-19 World Cup, as the tournament may overlap with the WPL schedule.
4. Jess Jonassen – Royal Challengers Bengaluru (Rs 40 lakh)
Australian all-rounder Jess Jonassen was Royal Challengers Bengaluru's most expensive signing at the WPL 2027 auction, joining the reigning champions for Rs 40 lakh.
The 33-year-old left-arm spinner previously represented Delhi Capitals for three seasons, taking 33 wickets in 24 matches and scoring 295 runs. She missed the WPL 2026 auction due to injury and has since been ruled out of the upcoming Women's Big Bash League season because of a hip complaint.
Jonassen is expected to return to competitive cricket in January 2027. If fit and available for the WPL season, her experience and left-arm spin could provide RCB with a valuable addition to their bowling attack.