Five Australians have been purchased as four clubs splashed the cash in the inaugural women's Hockey India League auction.

Hockeyroos goalkeeper Jocelyn Bartram was in high demand, the Odisha Warriors winning her services for $26,000 for the five-week tournament.

Bartram celebrated 100 Tests for Australia this year and was terrific in the side's Paris Olympics campaign that came to an abrupt halt after a shock, controversial quarter-final loss to China.

Claire Colwill and Kaitlin Nobbs were both also picked up by the Warriors for $23,058 while Hockeyroos teammate Penny Squibb (Soorma Hockey Club, $11,706) and uncapped Miri Maroney (Delhi, $3,547) also earned contracts.

More than 250 Indian players and 70 internationals nominated for the auction, Hockeyroos striker Alice Arnott one of the higher-profile names to go unsold.

"I wasn't watching originally but a few of the girls were tuning in and told me I was up so I quickly jumped online to watch," Bartram said.

"I'd been extremely nervous all morning as I was very excited about the possibility of going and playing in the league so to be picked up by Odisha was an amazing feeling.

"I've always wanted to experience hockey in an overseas league so to be able to compete in the HIL will be amazing ... 2024 definitely has been a wonderful year and this opportunity just adds to it."

India defender Udita Duhan ($56,884) commanded the highest price, bought by Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers, while Dutch star and Paris gold medallist Yibbi Jansen ($51,438, Odisha) demanded more than any other international.

The tournament, which runs from December 28 to February 1 alongside the eight-team men's equivalent, will expand to six teams next season.