If you’re a cricket enthusiast eagerly waiting for the next season of the Indian Premier League, the IPL 2026 Auction is where it all begins. I remember how last year’s mini-auction brought dramatic surprises, and this year looks even more exciting with 369 players in the final pool.
From top buys to surprise picks, it’s all set to unfold live. But the big question remains: where to watch IPL auction 2026 live? Let’s break it down for you.
What Is the Date, Time and Venue for the IPL 2026 Auction?
The IPL 2026 auction is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, 16 December 2025, at the iconic Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. The auction will start at 2:30 PM IST, which is 1:00 PM local UAE time and 9:00 AM GMT for viewers in the UK.
This high-stakes, single-day event will see the ten IPL franchises compete for the best domestic and international talent to fill 77 available slots in their squads.
How Is the IPL 2026 Auction Structured?
The auction will follow a structured session-based format:
- Player Categories: Players are grouped into sets, including capped batters, all-rounders, wicketkeepers, pacers, spinners, uncapped and overseas players.
- Auction Phases: The process begins with marquee players, then progresses set by set, ending with an accelerated phase.
- No Right to Match (RTM): Franchises cannot match bids this year.
- Breaks: Expect mini-breaks after marquee sets, a mid-session pause around 6 PM IST, a dinner break post 8 PM, and a final break if required.
Where To Watch IPL Auction 2026 Live?
If you’re wondering where to watch the IPL auction 2026 live, especially from the UK, you’re in luck. The event will be available through official telecast and streaming platforms based on your region.
In the UK, Sky Sports and Now TV will bring the action live from 9:00 AM GMT. Whether you’re on your phone, tablet, or watching on TV, you’ll be able to catch every moment of the bidding frenzy as teams compete for the best picks.
Which TV Channels Will Broadcast the IPL Auction in Different Countries?
Here’s a breakdown of where to watch the auction around the world:
| Country | TV Channel | Local Time |
| India | Star Sports Network | 2:30 PM IST |
| UK | Sky Sports | 9:00 AM GMT |
| Australia | Fox Sports | 8:00 PM AEDT |
| USA | Willow TV | 4:00 AM ET / 1:00 AM PT |
| South Africa | SuperSport | 11:00 AM local time |
| Bangladesh | Channel 9 (Likely) | 3:00 PM local time |
| Pakistan | No official broadcaster | N/A |
For those in countries without official telecasts, streaming platforms can be a great alternative.
What Are the Streaming Platforms Showing the IPL 2026 Auction Live?
Don’t want to miss out on the action while on the move? Several live-streaming platforms are broadcasting the IPL auction globally:
- India: JioCinema and Jio Hotstar apps will stream the event live.
- UK: Now TV offers seamless streaming alongside Sky Go.
- Australia: Kayo Sports delivers a live stream with commentary.
- USA and Canada: Willow TV App provides streaming access.
Ensure you have an active subscription to access the stream without interruptions.
Which Players Are in the Final Auction List for IPL 2026?
Initially featuring 350 players, the final IPL 2026 auction pool expanded to 369 players following last-minute additions. The updated list includes emerging talents and seasoned pros from both domestic and international cricket.
Some notable new names added include:
- Mani Shankar Mura Singh
- Virandeep Singh
- Chama Milind
- Eathan Bosch
- Chris Green
- Blessing Muzarabani
This wider pool gives teams more flexibility and increases the excitement for fans and analysts alike.
What Is the Purse Status of IPL Franchises Ahead of the 2026 Auction?
Each franchise enters the IPL 2026 auction with varied purse balances, based on their player retentions. Collectively, the ten teams have ₹237.55 crore left to spend.
Here’s a quick snapshot:
| Team | Remaining Purse (INR) |
| Kolkata Knight Riders | ₹64.3 crore |
| Chennai Super Kings | ₹43.4 crore |
| Mumbai Indians | ₹2.75 crore |
| Others (avg) | ₹15-25 crore |
With such diverse purse availability, expect intense bidding wars and tactical buys.
When Does the IPL 2026 Season Start After the Auction?
According to the BCCI, the IPL 2026 season will commence on 26 March 2026, about 18 days after the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 final.
The season will run until 31 May 2026, setting up an exciting 2-month window for T20 cricket fans. With this timeline, teams have a tight schedule post-auction to finalise strategies and conduct pre-season camps.
Conclusion
The IPL 2026 auction promises drama, competition, and unforgettable moments as teams battle it out to build their dream squads. If you’re in the UK, rest assured you can watch every second live on Sky Sports or Now TV.
From global streaming options to new players in the mix, this year’s event is not to be missed. So grab your morning brew, tune in from 9 AM GMT, and witness the thrill of the cricket world’s most dynamic auction.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does the IPL 2026 auction start in the UK?
It starts at 9:00 AM GMT on Tuesday, 16 December 2025.
Can I watch the IPL 2026 auction live in the UK?
Yes, Sky Sports and Now TV will telecast it live.
Is the IPL auction available to stream on mobile devices?
Yes, platforms like JioCinema and Now TV support mobile streaming.
Who has the highest budget in the IPL 2026 auction?
Kolkata Knight Riders lead with ₹64.3 crore in purse.
How many players will be auctioned this year?
A total of 369 players are in the final list.
Will the IPL auction be broadcast in the USA?
Yes, Willow TV will provide live coverage in the US.
Is Pakistan broadcasting the IPL 2026 auction?
There’s no official broadcaster in Pakistan for the auction.
