IPL 2026 Auction: Date, time, TV telecast and streaming guide for fans in India

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 auction is set to take place on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, beginning at 2:30 PM IST and will be hosted at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, continuing the league’s preference for overseas auction venues in recent cycles.

For fans wondering where to watch the IPL 2026 auction live, the answer is straightforward. The event will be telecast live in India on the Star Sports Network, which holds the official broadcast rights.

Viewers preferring digital platforms can catch the live streaming on JioHotstar, available via its app and website, subject to applicable subscription plans.

The excitement is building ????

???? Preps in place as the Etihad Arena gets #TATAIPL Auction ready ????

Follow the #TATAIPLAuction 2026 tomorrow on https://t.co/4n69KTTxCB ???? pic.twitter.com/wwBUf1jFhU

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) December 15, 2025

A common question ahead of the auction is whether the broadcast will be available internationally. The IPL 2026 auction will be accessible outside India through official broadcasters and streaming partners in respective regions, depending on local media rights agreements.

The auction itself carries significant importance, with all 10 franchises looking to fine-tune their squads ahead of the 2026 season. As many as 358 domestic and overseas players are expected to go under the hammer, as teams strategise around squad balance, budget management and specific skill requirements.

Another frequently asked question is what comes next after the auction. The IPL 2026 season is expected to begin in late March, with the auction playing a decisive role in shaping team combinations and defining early narratives for the tournament. Meanwhile, the trade window will be operative till a week before the auction.