The Final Bid Match (FBM) option is a unique feature in the PKL auction that allows teams to reacquire players they have previously released, provided they are willing to match the final bid made by another franchise. Introduced in Season 6, the FBM option adds a layer of strategy to the auction, enabling teams to retain key players without getting caught in bidding wars.
For instance, imagine a scenario where a star raider like Pardeep Narwal, released by UP Yoddhas, attracts a hefty bid from Tamil Thalaivas. The FBM option allows UP Yoddhas to step in and match the final bid, thereby reacquiring Narwal without further competition. This option not only helps teams retain their core players but also maintains a level of familiarity and continuity within the squad.
What is FBM card use in PKL Auction?
The process of using an FBM card is straightforward yet strategic. At the end of an auction round, if a player who was released by a team has been successfully bid on by another franchise, the auctioneer will offer the original team the chance to use their FBM card. The team must then decide whether to match the bid or let the player go.
If the original team opts to use the FBM card, they will secure the player at the final bid price. If they decline, the player will join the team that made the highest bid. This mechanism ensures that teams have a final say in retaining their top talent, provided they are willing to meet the market value established during the auction.
