UP Warriorz made the most notable moves among the early buys at the Women's Premier League (WPL) 2027 player auction, securing Australia captain Sophie Molineux for INR 1.10 crore and bringing Grace Harris back to the franchise at her base price of INR 30 lakh.

Molineux attracted interest from her former franchise Royal Challengers Bengaluru. However, the defending champions pulled out at INR 1.05 crore, having entered the auction with a purse of just INR 1.15 crore.

Harris, who made her WPL debut for UP Warriorz in 2023 edition, returns to the franchise after winning the 2026 title with RCB. The Australian allrounder was signed at her base price of INR 30 lakh. The Warriorz also added India allrounder Sneh Rana for INR 30 lakh. This will be Rana's fourth different franchise in five seasons.

Delhi Capitals secured Kiran Navgire after a brief bidding contest with Mumbai Indians. MI eventually backed out at INR 75 lakh, allowing Delhi to land the Indian big-hitter.

Gujarat Giants picked up wicketkeeper-batter G Kamalini for INR 40 lakh, her base price, and Ireland allrounder Orla Prendergast for INR 30 lakh. Prendergast was the first player from an associate nation to go under the hammer in Kochi.

Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu, meanwhile, went unsold in the first round.

The fifth edition of WPL will kick off on January 14 with CCI in Mumbai and Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara likely to host.