Hockey India League 2026 mini auction: All you need to know, rules, start time, where to watch
The Hockey India League (HIL) 2026 mini auction is set to take place on Wednesday at the Hockey India headquarters in New Delhi, with franchises eager to sharpen their squads and secure the hottest talent in world hockey.
The Ranchi Toyal Tuskers have been announced as the tournament’s newest franchise and will compete in both the men’s and women’s leagues, taking over from Team Gonasika and Odisha Warriors, who withdrew after just one season.
Speaking on the occasion, Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey said, “The core purpose of a league is to build inclusion and opportunity for the sport to grow. The HIL 2026 edition is being planned with this resolve to keep player exposure, welfare, and growth at the centre of our focus. While we do this throughout the year across our competition calendar, the HIL allows a unique opportunity for healthy corporate participation to contribute and get involved in the sport.”
With players going under the hammer in the men’s and women’s categories, Sportstar answers some of the questions one might have ahead of the mini-auction.
What is the salary cap for teams in the mini auction?
The salary cap for men’s teams will be INR 4 crores and INR 2 crores for women’s teams.
How many players will be there in each squad?
Each squad will consist of 20 players (two goalkeepers + 18 outfield players), with a maximum of seven overseas recruits and a minimum of three Indian juniors to promote youth development.
What are the base price slabs for the mini auction?
The auctions will feature three base price slabs — INR 2 Lakhs, INR 5 Lakhs, and INR 10 Lakhs — with INR 2 Lakhs as the minimum for both Indian and overseas players.
When can franchises bid?
Franchises will only be allowed to bid where they have sufficient budget and open playing positions available. The teams will also be required to maintain a balance between their remaining purse and the players required to complete the squad.
Which franchises will not be part of the HIL 2026 mini auction?
After Team Gonasika and Odisha Warriors, the UP Rudras is the latest team which decided to step away from the competition after just one season, citing doubts over financial sustainability. Hockey India secretary general Bhola Nath Singh told Sportstar that the UP franchise players would go into the auction pool with immediate effect.
When and where will the mini auction start?
The mini auction will start at 10:30 am IST on Wednesday, September 24, at the Hockey India headquarters in New Delhi. The men’s auction will be followed by the women’s auction.
Where can you watch the mini auction?
The HIL 2026 mini auction will be live-streamed on the YouTube channel of Hockey India League.
Published on Sep 23, 2025