Five most expensive buys in Men's Hockey India League 2026 auction

Hockey India League 2026 mini-auction saw fierce bidding for top domestic and international talent.

The Hockey India League (HIL) 2026 mini-auction took place on Wednesday (September 24) in New Delhi. More than 100 players went under the hammer in the event, which witnessed the franchises trying to complete their quota of 20 players (2 goalkeepers + 18 outfield players).

The players were listed under three categories – INR 2 Lakhs, INR 5 Lakhs, and INR 10 Lakhs. The fierce bidding war erupted between franchises as they pounced upon the opportunity to secure the services of top players.

For instance, the 14-year-old Ketan Kushwaha was sold to Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers and became the youngest player in the league. Meanwhile, Adrohit Ekka also drew interest from the franchises, as he was bought by Soorma Hockey Club for INR 11 Lakhs.

Australian midfielder Liam Henderson is the most expensive player of the day! 🔥💰He goes to Kalinga Lancers for Rs 42 lakh.Live Blog: https://t.co/2KzeiFc4NY#Hockey #HILAuction pic.twitter.com/f25kl1vR86

— Khel Now (@KhelNow) September 24, 2025

On that note, let’s take a look at the most expensive acquisitions in the HIL mini-auction.

#5 Vivek Lakra – 23 lakhs

Entering the auction at the base price of INR 2 Lakhs, goalkeeper Vivek Lakra stunned the onlookers with his demand in the event.

Ranchi Royal Tuskers and Bengal Tigers went full throttle to add him to their respective squads. In the end, he was bought by the Royals for INR 23 lakhs. He became the most expensive player in the junior category.

Also Read: Top five big names who went unsold in Hockey India League 2026 auction

Lakra eventually went to the Royals for a price of INR 23 lakhs. The 18-year-old was a part of the Odisha side, which won a gold medal at the Khelo India Youth Games 2024.

#4 Cooper Burns – 34.5 lakhs

Another young athlete who generated significant interest in the auction for the Australian forward, Cooper Burns. Kalinga Lancers won the bidding war against SG Pipers and bought Burns for INR 34.5 lakhs.

From the 2022-23 period, Burns scored 17 goals for the Australian U-21 team, as they won silver medals in consecutive editions (2022 & 2023) of the Sultan of Johor Cup.

#3 Thies Prinz – 36 lakhs

Germany’s Thies Prinz was snapped up by Hockey India for INR 36 lakhs in the mini-auction. It is worth noting that UP Rudras has withdrawn from the tournament due to financial issues, and the HIL governing council has taken over the franchise.

Prinz has been part of the German side, which secured a gold medal at the 2023 World Cup and a silver medal at the Paris Olympics.

#2 Sander de Wijn – 36 lakhs

The Netherlands’ Sander de Wijn was a marquee international player in the auction. The veteran defender kick-started the bidding war between SG Pipers and Tamil Nadu Dragons. Eventually, the Dragons won the contest with their amount of INR 36 lakhs.

Also Read: Men’s Hockey India League Auction: Vivek Lakra most expensive Indian player; Liam Henderson fetches highest bid

During last year’s FIH Hockey5s World Cup in Oman, Wijn scored eight goals in six appearances and helped the team to win the gold medal.

#1 Liam Henderson – 42 lakhs

The Australian midfielder, Liam Henderson, emerged as the costliest buy in the HIL 2026 mini-auction. In a close contest between Kalinga Lancers and SG Pipers, the Lancers acquired Henderson for INR 42 lakhs.

Henderson has been part of the Australia U21 squad, which has won the silver medal in the last three editions of the Sultan of Johor Cup. He was recently a part of the Australian senior squad for the Oceania Cup.

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