The much-anticipated player auction for the fourth season of SA20 will take place in Johannesburg on September 9, 2025. The league announced on Tuesday (June 24) that franchises will see an increased salary cap of USD 2.3 million, a significant jump for the upcoming season. Each of the six franchises can retain up to six players (including a maximum of three overseas stars) ahead of the mega auction, with a minimum of 72 player slots up for grabs.
For the 2025-26 edition, squads can feature up to seven overseas cricketers among the 18-member roster, while at least 11 spots are reserved for South African talent. Each team is also allowed a ‘wild card’ signing, which can be a local or overseas player whose fee falls outside the salary cap.
A major innovation for this year is the introduction of the Right To Match (RTM) card, enabling franchises to match the highest auction bid for a player they fielded in the previous season. The number of RTM cards allotted depends on the number of South African players retained by each team.
Unlike previous editions, there will be no Rookie Draft for SA20 Season 4. Instead, franchises are now required to sign at least two Under-23 players as part of their final 19-man squads. Cricket Operations Head Stephen Cook described the new auction mechanisms—including RTMs, wild cards, and a higher purse—as game-changers for franchise strategy and squad building.
Veteran auctioneer Richard Madley returns for the event, which will set the stage for an exciting season starting December 26, 2025.
