When and where to watch IPL 2026 auction, purse value, player slots and more

The 2026 Indian Premier League mini auction is expected to be a major event for all franchises. Ten teams will take part in the auction. A total of 77 player slots are available. The combined spending purse stands at Rs 237.55 crore. The new IPL season is likely to begin in late March 2026.

Kolkata Knight Riders will enter the auction with the highest purse ever seen in a mini auction. They have Rs 64.3 crore available. This gives KKR strong control over bidding dynamics. Chennai Super Kings are also well placed with Rs 43.4 crore. Their large budget allows them to play a key role in shaping the auction.

Australian all-rounder Cameron Green is expected to be the most expensive buy. Several franchises are keen on him. Indian players like Venkatesh Iyer and Ravi Bishnoi are also in demand. England’s Liam Livingstone is another name likely to attract aggressive bidding.

IPL Auction 2026: Big Budgets, Big Names as Mini Auction Set for December 16

Teams with large funds are expected to target young and uncapped players. Many franchises want to invest in future stars. This could lead to intense bidding wars. Smart picks at the auction may decide team success in the upcoming season.

The mini auction will not just be about star players. It will also help teams balance their squads. Strong combinations will be crucial for a long tournament like the IPL. Every franchise will aim to fill gaps wisely.

The IPL 2026 auction will take place on Tuesday, December 16. The venue is Abu Dhabi in the UAE. The auction will start at 2:30 PM IST. Fans can watch it live on the Star Sports Network. Live streaming will be available on the JioHotstar app and website.

Overall, the IPL 2026 mini auction promises excitement. Big money. Big decisions. And high expectations ahead of a competitive season.

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