HIL Mini Auction Today: All you need to know

The stage is set for the much-anticipated Hero Hockey India League (HIL) 2026 mini-auctions, scheduled to be held today, September 24, in New Delhi. The event marks a crucial step in shaping the squads for the men’s and women’s competitions, with franchises locked in on strategy to secure the best hockey talent from India and abroad.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Over 100 men’s players and an equal number of women’s players will go under the hammer. Each men’s franchise has a salary cap of Rs 4 crore, while women’s teams will work with Rs 2 crore. Every squad must consist of 20 players, including two goalkeepers and 18 outfield players. The composition rules also mandate a maximum of seven overseas players and at least three Indian juniors, ensuring both global representation and a strong pathway for emerging domestic talent.The bidding will unfold across three base price slabs — Rs 2 lakh, Rs 5 lakh, and Rs 10 lakh — with Rs 2 lakh set as the minimum for both Indian and overseas players. Importantly, franchises will only be allowed to bid within their budget constraints and for open positions, while also maintaining balance between their remaining purse and squad requirements.The men’s auction will begin at 10:30 a.m., followed by the women’s auction later in the day. The entire process will be held behind closed doors but promises to be action-packed, given the high stakes and limited purse.Hockey India President, Dr. Dilip Tirkey, underlined the significance of the day: “It takes a lot of steadfast resolve and commitment for a federation to ensure the continued success of a league, especially for a legacy sport like hockey. 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.”He further noted the role of franchise partners: “The HIL allows a unique opportunity for healthy corporate participation. The mini auction promises to be action-packed as our first milestone for the second edition of the HIL. I wish all the teams and players the best of luck.”With excitement building and strategies being finalised, today’s mini-auction is set to shape the road ahead for HIL 2026.