A hundred It is entering a bold new era for its sixth edition, scheduled to run from July 21 to August 16, 2026. In a move that reflects the global franchise landscape, the tournament switched from a draft system to a high-priced player auction. Set for March 11 at London’s famous Piccadilly Lights, this first ever women’s auction is a big step forward, doubling the salary cap to £880,000 per side.
Franchises are now allowed to field four overseas players per match, a change that has intensified the search for world-class talent. Ahead of the bidding war, several marquee names were released featuring a mix of local legends and international icons. Heavyweights like it though Ellyse Perry (Birmingham Phoenix) and Smriti Mandhana (Manchester Super Giants) secured by signing prior to the auction, remaining spots will be filled under the hammer.
Tammy Beaumont, Deepti Sharma, Sophie Devine and Beth Mooney lead the marquee list.
The marquee set is a masterclass in T20 pedigree. India is leading the international charge Deepti Sharmawhose mastery of off-spin and clinical finishing were crucial Spirit of London‘s won the 2024 title. He joins New Zealands powerhouse Sophie Devine and Australia’s batting anchor Beth Mooneyboth of them bring a wealth of experience from multiple World Cup wins. South Africaof Nadine de Klerk and Australian spinner Sophie Molineux round out the overseas contingent, where teams are expected to bid aggressively.
On the home front, England’s stalwarts are equally prominent. Tammy BeaumontThe first woman to score a century in The Hundred leads a group of local heroes that includes leg-spinner wizardry. Sarah Glenn and reliable glove work Amy Jones. Inclusion Dani Gibson and explosive young talent Davina Perrin underlining the tournament’s commitment to mixing established stars with the new generation of English cricket.
The landscape of competition has also changed commercially. Four teams enter 2026 with new identities following IPL-related investments: MI London (before Oval Invincibles), Manchester Super Giants (before Manchester Originals), Sunrisers Leeds (before Northern superchargers), and Capitals of Delhi– the owner Southern Brave.
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One Hundred Women 2026 Auction: Initial Longlist
The auction’s long list features 178 players, divided into tiers that reflect their skill sets and market value. While the bracket names grab the headlines, the Tier 1 categories are full of match-winners that could lead to bidding wars.
| Category | Key players in the list |
| Marquee Interior | Tammy Beaumont, Sarah Glenn, Amy Jones, Dani Gibson, Davina Perrin |
| Marquee International | Deepti Sharma, Sophie Devine, Beth Mooney, Sophie Molineux, Nadine de Klerk |
| 1st degree strikes | Lizelle Lee, Sterre Kalis, Tazmin Brits, Bryony Smith, Emma Lamb |
| 1st Class Fast Bowler | Shabnim Ismail, Issy Wong, Grace Ballinger, Maitlan Brown, Lauren Cheatle |
| Tier 1 Allrounders | Deandra Dottin, Jessica Jonassen, Georgia Adams, Kathryn Bryce, Chinelle Henry |
| 1st Class Spinners | Alana King, Linsey Smith, Tilly Courteen-Coleman, Kirstie Gordon, Sophia Smale |
| 1st grade goalkeepers | Richa Ghosh, Yastika Bhatia, Lauren Winfield-Hill, Georgia Redmayne, Seren Smale |
One of the main talking points of this auction is the representation of Asian talent. Despite 17 Indian players being registered, only three, DeeptiRicha Ghosh, and Yastika Bhatiamade the initial cut for the main roster. Likewise, all eyes will be on Pakistan Fatima Sana and Sadia Iqbalwhich is part of a long list of . Their potential selection is under high scrutiny as no Pakistani player has featured in previous women’s seasons, especially with four franchises now under the umbrella of IPL holders.
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This article was originally published here WomenCricket.coma Cricket Times company.
