The player retention window for The Hundred 2027 tournament is now open, with the eight men's and women's teams allowed to make signings or retain players from their 2026 squads.

Before the direct signing window from January 20 - February 3, and the auction - set for March but the date yet to confirmed - teams can first look to secure their favourite players from 2026.

Also, in a change to squad sizes for 2027, teams can now carry a maximum of 19 players (and minimum of 16), with the number of overseas players allowed rising from four to five - and from three to four in playing XIs.

When does the retention window open and close?

The window opened on October 19, 2026 and closes on January 15, 2027. Teams can announce retained players from their 2026 squads at any point during this period.

How many players can each team retain?

Each men's and women's squad can retain up to 16 players. Retained players will stay on their 2026 salaries for the 2027 season.

Who is eligible to be retained?

Teams can retain any player signed at The Hundred Auction 2026, including those who subsequently didn't play in the 2026 competition due to injury or unavailability.

They can also retain any replacement player who played at least two games in the 2026 competition.

Players selected in the Vitality Wildcard Draft in 2026 can be retained at their base price or on an increased salary for 2027, but they will not count as wildcards next season if retained.

What happens to players who aren't retained?

Unretained players remain eligible to be signed during the direct signing window, either by their existing team or by another team. They may also choose to enter the auction in March.

What is the Direct Signing Window?

The direct signing window runs from January 20 to February 3. During this period, teams can sign eligible players directly before finalising their squads at auction.

As in 2026, teams can make up to four direct signings if they have space in their squad. This includes a maximum of two domestic players and a maximum of two overseas players.

Overseas player and squad size updates for 2027

The maximum number of overseas players in a squad has increased from four to five, with four allowed in the playing XI - up from three. This additional overseas player is only available, should teams opt for it.

Squad sizes have increased to a maximum of 19 players for 2027.

When is The Hundred Auction?

The Hundred Auction will take place in early March 2027. The exact date will be announced in due course.