Mallika Sagar is a leading auctioneer who recently took centre stage at the IPL 2026 auction, further cementing her place in the world of high-profile sports auctions. What sets her career apart is the rare blend of fine art expertise and major sporting events, two worlds she has successfully brought together over the years.
- Born: 3 August 1975 (age 50 years), Mumbai
- Education: Bryn Mawr College
- Nationality: Indian
- Mallika Sagar Net Worth : $15 million
She made history by becoming the first Indian woman auctioneer at Christie’s in New York, a milestone that marked her arrival on the global auction stage. On Tuesday, December 16, Mallika once again played a pivotal role at the IPL 2026 auction, where her composed presence has become a familiar and defining feature of the modern IPL bidding room.
Behind her calm confidence lies a journey that is both unconventional and deeply inspiring. Born in Mumbai in 1975, Mallika grew up in a business-oriented family but charted her own path by bridging two distinct domains—fine art auctions and large-scale sports auctions.
Her interest in auctioneering was sparked unexpectedly after reading a book featuring a woman auctioneer as its central character. That moment of inspiration led her to pursue a profession that, at the time, was relatively unexplored in India, ultimately shaping a career that broke barriers and set new benchmarks.
Mallika Sagar’s educational journey began in Mumbai and took her all the way to Connecticut, USA, where she earned a degree in Art History from Bryn Mawr College, Philadelphia. Her professional career took off in 2001 when she joined Sotheby’s in London, where she developed deep expertise in Indian and South Asian art.
Her rise in the auction world was rapid. At just 26 years old, she became the first Indian woman auctioneer at Christie’s in New York, specializing in modern and contemporary Indian art. This historic achievement established her as a prominent figure on the international auction stage.
After gaining extensive international experience, Mallika returned to Mumbai, collaborating with prestigious institutions such as Pundole’s Art Gallery. Her success in the art world naturally opened doors to the sports auction arena, where her poise, precision, and confidence quickly drew attention.
A major milestone in her career came in 2021, when she became the first female auctioneer in the Pro Kabaddi League, breaking barriers in a traditionally male-dominated field. Two years later, she was entrusted with conducting the first-ever women’s Premier League (WPL) auction, further strengthening her influence in Indian sports.
Mallika went on to lead the IPL 2024 mini-auction and the IPL 2025 mega-auction in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. In 2025, she also conducted the WPL 2026 auction, solidifying her reputation as one of the most trusted and successful auctioneers in the world of sports. Her journey from fine art to sports auctions reflects both her versatility and her pioneering spirit.
FAQs on Mallika Sagar – IPL & Sports Auction Pioneer
Who is Mallika Sagar?
Mallika Sagar is a leading auctioneer known for her work in fine art and high-profile sports auctions, including the IPL and WPL. She is celebrated for her poise, precision, and pioneering presence in traditionally male-dominated fields.
What is Mallika Sagar known for in sports auctions?
She has played a pivotal role in IPL and WPL auctions, including the IPL 2024 mini-auction, IPL 2025 mega-auction in Jeddah, and the WPL 2026 auction. Her presence has become a defining feature of modern Indian sports auctions.
Has she achieved any historic milestones?
Yes, Mallika became the first Indian woman auctioneer at Christie’s in New York at the age of 26, specializing in modern and contemporary Indian art. She also became the first female auctioneer in the Pro Kabaddi League in 2021.
What is her educational background?
Mallika started her studies in Mumbai and earned a degree in Art History from Bryn Mawr College in Philadelphia, USA. She then gained international experience in auction houses like Sotheby’s in London.
How did Mallika start her career in auctioneering?
Her interest in auctioneering was sparked by reading a book featuring a female auctioneer as the central character. Inspired by this, she pursued a career that was relatively unexplored in India at the time.
What kind of auctions has she conducted?
Mallika has conducted fine art auctions for prestigious galleries like Pundole’s Art Gallery, as well as major sports auctions for IPL, WPL, and Pro Kabaddi League events.
Why is she considered a trailblazer?
Mallika has broken barriers in male-dominated fields, bridging the worlds of art and sports auctions. She is recognized internationally for her expertise and has set new benchmarks in the auction industry.
What makes her approach unique in auctions?
Her calm confidence, accuracy, and professional presence make her a respected figure both in fine art and sports auctions. She seamlessly blends artistic knowledge with large-scale sports auction management.
Where is Mallika Sagar from?
She was born in Mumbai in 1975 and comes from a business-oriented family, though she carved her own unconventional career path.
What are some of her notable contributions to Indian sports auctions?
First female auctioneer in Pro Kabaddi League (2021)
Conducted first-ever WPL auction (2023)
Led IPL 2024 mini-auction and IPL 2025 mega-auction
Conducted WPL 2026 auction
How does her background in fine art influence her sports auction work?
Her experience in fine art auctions has instilled discipline, attention to detail, and poise, which she now brings to high-pressure sports auctions, making her one of the most trusted auctioneers in the industry.
When did Mallika Sagar start her career internationally?
Mallika began her professional journey in 2001 with Sotheby’s in London, focusing on Indian and South Asian art. She gained valuable international experience before returning to India to work with prestigious galleries.
What is her connection with Christie’s New York?
At 26 years old, Mallika became the first Indian woman auctioneer at Christie’s in New York, where she specialized in modern and contemporary Indian art, earning recognition on the global auction stage.
How did Mallika transition from art to sports auctions?
After years of success in the fine art world, she leveraged her poise, precision, and auction expertise to enter sports auctions, starting with the Pro Kabaddi League and later the IPL and WPL.
Which leagues has she worked with as an auctioneer?
Mallika has conducted auctions for:
Pro Kabaddi League (first female auctioneer, 2021)
Women’s Premier League (WPL 2023, 2026)
Indian Premier League (IPL 2024 mini-auction, IPL 2025 mega-auction in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia)
What makes her a pioneer in the auction industry?
She is one of the first women to dominate both art and sports auction spaces, breaking gender barriers and setting high professional standards in India and internationally.
What inspired her to pursue auctioneering?
Her inspiration came from reading a book featuring a female auctioneer, which motivated her to enter a field largely unexplored by women in India at that time.
How is Mallika perceived in the auction world?
She is highly respected for her calm demeanor, clarity in communication, and precise execution, qualities that have made her a trusted name in auctions globally.
Has she contributed to women’s representation in sports auctions?
Yes, by leading auctions in the Pro Kabaddi League, WPL, and IPL, Mallika has opened doors for women in sports auctioneering, a field traditionally dominated by men.
What is her educational background?
Mallika holds a degree in Art History from Bryn Mawr College, Philadelphia, USA, after beginning her education in Mumbai. Her academic foundation in fine arts contributed significantly to her career trajectory.
Where has Mallika worked in India?
She has collaborated with renowned institutions such as Pundole’s Art Gallery in Mumbai and has also led high-profile sports auctions across India and abroad.
What are her key traits as an auctioneer?
Mallika is known for:
Professional poise and calm presence
Accuracy and precision in bidding
Ability to manage high-pressure, high-value auctions
Seamless transition between art and sports auction domains
What makes Mallika Sagar an influential figure for aspiring auctioneers?
Her journey demonstrates that gender, geography, or traditional career paths need not limit success, making her an inspiring role model for women and aspiring professionals in the auction industry.
What are some landmark achievements in her sports auction career?
Conducting the first-ever WPL auction
Leading the IPL 2025 mega-auction in Saudi Arabia
Being the first female auctioneer in Pro Kabaddi League
Successfully blending fine art auction expertise with sports auction precision
Why is she considered a bridge between art and sports?
Mallika uniquely combines deep knowledge of art valuation and auction dynamics with the high-energy environment of sports auctions, creating a distinctive professional niche.
What is Mallika Sagar’s full name and background?
Mallika Sagar was born in 1975 in Mumbai, India. She grew up in a business-oriented family, but chose a career path that bridged fine art and sports auctions, carving a unique space for herself.
What inspired Mallika to become an auctioneer?
Her interest was sparked after reading a book featuring a female auctioneer, which motivated her to explore a profession that was rarely pursued by women in India at the time.
Which international institutions has she worked with?
Sotheby’s, London (2001) – specialized in Indian and South Asian art
Christie’s, New York – became the first Indian woman auctioneer specializing in modern and contemporary Indian art
At what age did she achieve her first major milestone?
At 26, Mallika became the first Indian woman auctioneer at Christie’s in New York, marking her arrival on the global auction stage.
What kind of auctions has she conducted in India?
Fine art auctions with prestigious galleries such as Pundole’s Art Gallery
Sports auctions for Pro Kabaddi League, IPL, and Women’s Premier League (WPL)
Which sports auctions did she make history in?
Pro Kabaddi League (2021) – first female auctioneer
WPL (2023, 2026) – conducted the first-ever women’s Premier League auctions
IPL 2024 mini-auction & IPL 2025 mega-auction in Jeddah
Why is Mallika considered a trailblazer for women in auctions?
She has broken gender barriers in both art and sports, becoming a role model for aspiring female auctioneers, and demonstrating leadership in male-dominated fields.
How has her art background influenced her sports auction work?
Her expertise in fine art valuation and auction techniques has given her the precision, confidence, and stage presence needed for high-stakes sports auctions.
What qualities define her style as an auctioneer?
Calm and composed presence under pressure
Accuracy in bidding and valuation
Professionalism and clear communication
Ability to manage both art and sports auctions seamlessly
What are some key achievements in her sports auction career?
Conducted India’s first women-led sports auctions
Led high-profile IPL and WPL auctions internationally
Recognized as one of the most trusted and successful auctioneers in the sports domain
Where did she study and how did education shape her career?
Mumbai – early schooling
Bryn Mawr College, Philadelphia, USA – degree in Art History
Her education provided a solid foundation in art that later helped her excel in both fine art and sports auctions.
Has Mallika contributed to changing perceptions about women in sports?
Yes, by consistently excelling in high-pressure, male-dominated auctions, she has challenged stereotypes and paved the way for more women in sports administration and auctioneering.
What is her global recognition?
Mallika is known internationally for being the first Indian woman auctioneer at Christie’s New York and for bringing credibility and professionalism to both art and sports auctions worldwide.
Why is she considered versatile and pioneering?
Her career spans two very different worlds—fine art and professional sports auctions, demonstrating that skill, precision, and confidence can transcend industries.
What can aspiring auctioneers learn from her journey?
Follow your passion even in unconventional fields
Break barriers in male-dominated industries
Combine technical expertise with strong presentation skills
Build credibility through consistent performance and professionalism
What is her influence on the IPL and WPL auctions?
Mallika’s presence has elevated the profile of Indian sports auctions, creating greater transparency, professionalism, and global attention for leagues like IPL and WPL.
What are future expectations from Mallika Sagar?
She is expected to continue leading high-profile auctions, inspire more women to enter the profession, and further strengthen the global presence of Indian sports auctions.
