Sophie Devine and Beth Mooney have become the highest-paid players in Women’s Hundred history after each securing deals worth £210,000 at the competition’s first-ever auction held in central London on March 11, 2026.
Their contracts shatter the previous top salary of £65,000 and represent a 14-fold increase over the highest wage from the tournament’s debut season in 2021. England allrounder Dani Gibson provided the morning’s biggest shock, fetching £190,000 from Sunrisers Leeds.
Devine Joins Welsh Fire in Twilight of Stellar Career
New Zealand’s Devine was picked up by Welsh Fire as she enters the final chapter of a remarkable international career.
The 36-year-old stepped down from the T20 captaincy after leading her country to the World Cup title in 2024. She also retired from ODI cricket late last year.
Her auction price reflects the growing financial power of the women’s game, with the salary cap per team now doubled to £880,000 following fresh private investment across all eight franchises.
Mooney Sparks Bidding War Between Rockets and Super Giants
Australian star Mooney attracted fierce competition between Trent Rockets and Manchester Super Giants before the Rockets secured her services.
Known as one of the most reliable batters in women’s cricket, Mooney also offers value behind the stumps as a capable wicketkeeper.
Her price tag puts the Women’s Hundred on par with top-paying leagues like the WPL and surpasses the highest contracts available in the Women’s Big Bash League.
Gibson’s Surprise Price Tag Stuns Auction Room
The most talked-about deal of the morning belonged to Gibson, whose £190,000 contract with Sunrisers Leeds raised eyebrows given her recent form.
She managed modest returns with the bat during last year’s Hundred and was unable to bowl due to a back stress fracture. Her most recent competitive outing came in the WBBL for Melbourne Stars, where she scored 170 runs at a strike rate of 139.34. Despite the limited sample size, four franchises drove up her price in a heated bidding battle.
Other Notable Signings From the Opening Session
| Player | Team | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Nadine de Klerk | London Spirit | £170,000 |
| Issy Wong | Southern Brave | £130,000 |
| Paige Scholfield | Manchester Super Giants | £115,000 |
| Em Arlott | Welsh Fire | £110,000 |
| Tilly Corteen-Coleman | Southern Brave | £105,000 |
| Linsey Smith | Birmingham Phoenix | £100,000 |
Southern Brave emerged as the most aggressive buyers in the early rounds, also adding new Australia captain Sophie Molineux and England legspinner Sarah Glenn to their roster. The auction continues with more overseas and domestic signings still to come.
