The Hundred is doing something new this March. For the first time, it will host a live player auction, and the setting could not be more eye catching. The bidding will take place at Piccadilly Lights in London, turning the famous spot into a cricket stage.
With new salary caps, updated overseas rules, and more than 200 players available, the 2026 season is starting to take shape in public.
When And Where Is The Hundred 2026 Auction Happening?
The auction will be held at Piccadilly Lights in London on:
Wednesday, March 11 – Women’s auction
Thursday, March 12 – Men’s auction
All 16 franchises will bid to complete their squads for 2026. Each team can sign up to 14 players across their men’s and women’s teams.
Big names to watch
The women’s auction opens on March 11, with stars such as:
- Beth Mooney
- Nadine de Klerk
- Amy Jones
The men’s auction follows on March 12, featuring:
- Joe Root
- Adil Rashid
- Jason Holder
With so much talent available, competition is expected to be fierce.
Salary caps explained
Men’s teams have a total cap of £2.05 million, with £950,000 already deducted after four pre-auction signings.
Women’s teams have a £880,000 cap.
£310,000 has been deducted for Manchester Super Giants Women, MI London Women, Sunrisers Leeds Women, and Welsh Fire Women.
£360,000 has been deducted for Birmingham Phoenix, London Spirit, Southern Brave, and Trent Rockets.
Player categories
Players are grouped into three tiers based on franchise interest:
- Hero
- Ranked
- Nominated
Hero players go first in the bidding, followed by Ranked and then Nominated.
Already signed
Some big names are already secured.
Retained players:
- Jacob Bethell – Birmingham Phoenix
- Jos Buttler – Manchester Super Giants
- Nat Sciver-Brunt – Trent Rockets
New signings:
- Mitchell Marsh – Sunrisers Leeds
- Alice Capsey – Birmingham Phoenix
- Smriti Mandhana – Manchester Super Giants
Overseas rule change
Teams can now sign four overseas players, up from the previous limit of three.
With fresh rules and a live London setting, this year’s auction feels like a big step forward for The Hundred.
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