SA20 2026: Auction set to raise bar with exciting new features as 72 players slots up for grabs

The new season of the SA20 is almost here, and all attention is on Johannesburg on Tuesday, September 9 for the undoubtably exciting player auction. The 2025 player auction, which will see up to 72 player slots available, is yearning for bidding wars, strategic acquisitions, and some surprises! The format of the auction is consistent with past years, with respect for each team keeping a strong South African contingent. Each team can have a maximum of seven overseas players, and must have 11 South Africans as part of their regular squad of 18.

To help develop more young players, and preserve competitive balance, every franchise can pre-sign or retain a maximum of six players before the auction, consisting of a maximum of three overseas and three South African players. Another key feature returning this year is the Wildcard option. Each franchise can acquire a Wildcard player - local or international, with their salary excluded from the teams' salary cap. All these rules are intended to promote squad balance but create also flexibility and excitement.

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This year’s salary cap has been raised to an all-time high of USD 2.3 million per team, up from USD 1.9 million in Season 1. The increased purse makes SA20 the highest-paying franchise T20 league outside of India. One of the biggest innovations for Season 4 is the introduction of Right to Match (RTM) cards. For the first time in SA20 history, franchises can use RTM cards to retain players who were part of their squad in the previous season by matching the winning bid during the auction.

Richard Madley to host the event

The RTM cards add a strategic twist to this year’s proceedings, especially since the number of RTM cards per team will depend on how many South African players they have pre-retained. Stephen Cook, Head of Cricket Operations, highlighted how nearly 60% of all squad spots will be decided during the auction, adding a fresh layer of strategy to squad building. He also reaffirmed SA20’s commitment to young players. Although the Rookie Draft has been removed, each franchise must include at least two Under-23 players in their final 19-member squads.

Popular auctioneer Richard Madley will return to host the event, continuing his now-iconic association with SA20. The auction event will be streamed live on SuperSport and on the SA20 YouTube Channel, with further updates to be shared in real-time via the league’s social media channels. This auction provides a perfect start to Season 4 and highlights a pivotal moment ahead of what we hope will be the league’s biggest and most exciting season ready to be announced. With the tournament beginning on 26 December 2025, the viewing public can expect some of the best cricket around, during the holiday season, at the best cricket venues in the country.