Overview
- Cricket Victoria told staff of the decision on Tuesday that it intends to combine the Stars and Renegades into one team branded as 'Melbourne' and to sell its second BBL licence to a private buyer.
- The new franchise is expected to wear navy blue and use the MCG as its primary home ground while a new nickname and final branding details remain undecided.
- The change is conditional on Cricket Australia and other state associations approving a sale model, with a key meeting on privatisation scheduled for June 15 to determine next steps.
- Players and some club staff were reportedly surprised by the briefing and the fate of contracted and uncontracted players for the 2026–27 season is unresolved, with sources saying roughly 10 contracted players from each club may form the core of the merged roster.
- The proposal reflects Cricket Australia's push to bring private capital into the BBL but faces resistance from some state bodies, and Cricket Australia rules require the team be called 'Melbourne' rather than using the state name 'Victoria'.