WPL Retention Rules 2026: How Franchises Keep Players

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WPL retention rules govern how the 5 franchises keep players between auctions. The system is simpler than IPL — fewer retention slots, standardised salaries. Here's the 2026 rulebook.
How many players can WPL franchises retain?
Up to 5 players total (mix of capped + uncapped). This may be revised for 2027 pending BCCI approval.
Salary slabs for WPL retentions
Slab 1: ₹3.4 crore. Slab 2: ₹2.4 crore. Slab 3: ₹1.8 crore. Uncapped slab: ₹30 lakh.
WPL salary cap
₹15 crore per team for 2026 season.
Right-to-Match in WPL
1 RTM card per franchise per auction — same as IPL.
Retention decisions before WPL 2026
Each franchise released 3–4 players. For who stayed where, see WPL 2026 team profiles hub.
Differences from IPL retention
WPL has no Impact Player rule, smaller squad sizes (18 players), and simpler slab pricing.
Related reading
WPL 2026 player salary list and IPL retention salary rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many players can WPL franchises retain?
Up to 5.
What is the WPL salary cap 2026?
₹15 crore per team.
Do WPL franchises have Right-to-Match?
Yes — 1 RTM per franchise.
What is the top salary slab in WPL?
₹3.4 crore.
How is WPL retention different from IPL?
Fewer retention slots, no Impact Player rule, smaller squads.
The takeaway
Bookmark the IPL 2026 points table, live schedule, and Dream11 tools. CricJosh refreshes every hub after every match.
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Karthik Iyer
Expert in: Womens CricketCricket analyst and content writer at CricJosh, covering Womens Cricket with 473 articles published.
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