WPL 2027 Auction Highlights: UP Warriorz Secure Sophie Molineux and Grace Harris

The WPL 2027 auction in Kochi saw UP Warriorz making significant moves by acquiring Australian all-rounder Sophie Molineux for Rs 1.10 crore and bringing back Grace Harris for Rs 30 lakh. Molineux's bidding war with RCB highlighted her value, while UPW also secured Indian all-rounder Sneh Rana. The auction featured a total of 146 players, with several exciting signings and some surprises, including Sri Lanka's Chamari Athapaththu going unsold. Read on for more details on this thrilling event.

By Narendra Chaudhary Oct 29, 2026, 00:08 IST

Exciting Developments from the WPL 2027 Auction

Kochi (Keralam) [India], October 28: In a thrilling auction for the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2027 held in Kochi, UP Warriorz (UPW) successfully acquired Australian all-rounder Sophie Molineux for a staggering Rs 1.10 crore. Additionally, her fellow countrywoman Grace Harris made her return to the UP franchise for Rs 30 lakh.

Molineux, who played a pivotal role in Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) championship victory in 2024, sparked a bidding war between UP Warriorz and RCB. The bidding commenced at Rs 50 lakh, quickly escalating as RCB entered the fray. The price surged to Rs 95 lakh in mere moments, prompting UP Warriorz to raise their bid to Rs 1 crore. RCB countered with Rs 1.05 crore, but UP Warriorz ultimately clinched the deal with a final bid of Rs 1.10 crore.

In addition to Molineux, UP Warriorz also welcomed back Grace Harris for Rs 30 lakh. The bidding for Harris started at her base price, and she returns to the team after previously playing for them in the 2023, 2024, and 2025 seasons.

Harris was part of RCB's championship-winning squad in 2026 but was released prior to the auction as RCB prepared to re-sign Ellyse Perry.

Furthermore, UP Warriorz secured Indian all-rounder Sneh Rana at her base price of Rs 30 lakh. Rana has previously played for Gujarat Giants (GG), Delhi Capitals (DC), and RCB, and she joined UP Warriorz without any competing bids.

On another note, Ireland's Orla Prendergast was signed by GG for Rs 30 lakh. This year, Prendergast has made significant contributions, scoring 455 runs in 15 T20Is at an average of 35 and a strike rate of 128.89, along with taking 15 wickets.

In contrast, Sri Lanka's captain Chamari Athapaththu did not attract any bids in Set 2 and went unsold.

Overall, the auction featured 146 players, with 27 slots available across the five teams.