Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020
The Melbourne Stars Melbourne Renegades merger is set to reshape the Big Bash League, with 7 Cricket reporting that Cricket Victoria is preparing to combine its two Melbourne franchises.
The move would leave Victoria with one Melbourne-based BBL team from next summer, with a new name and colours still to be revealed for BBL 16.
The development comes during another major cricket news cycle after Tim David IPL ban confirmed after final sanction in Royal Challengers Bengaluru title win.
Cricket Victoria set for major BBL change
Cricket Victoria is understood to be selling the state’s second BBL franchise so it can focus on one stronger Melbourne team.
The Melbourne Stars and Melbourne Renegades have long shared the city’s BBL market, but the reported merger would end that two-club setup.
Channel 7 reported that staff from both clubs were informed of the merger earlier today.
Cricket Australia has not yet made an official comment on the reported deal.
Relocated franchise destination still unclear
The sale would leave one BBL licence available for relocation, though its future home has not been confirmed.
South Australia has previously shown interest in a second BBL team.
Other possible homes include Manuka Oval in Canberra and Carrara on the Gold Coast.
The report comes less than a month after Cricket Australia’s push to privatise the BBL was blocked by New South Wales and Queensland.
Fans can follow official Big Bash League fixtures, team news and tournament updates through the BBL website.
What it means for BBL 16
If the merger is confirmed, next summer’s competition would feature one Cricket Victoria-backed Melbourne club.
That would mark one of the biggest structural shifts in Big Bash League history.
The key question now is where the relocated 10th franchise will land, and how quickly Cricket Australia can confirm the new shape of the competition before the 2026/27 season.
