The Melbourne Stars and Melbourne Renegades are set to continue as part of the Big Bash League (BBL) for the next couple of seasons after delays in Cricket Australia’s protracted privatisation plans ahead of 2026-27. That decision gives a short-term reprieve to both franchises after weeks of speculation surrounding the futures of Melbourne’s two BBL clubs.
The Stars and Renegades have merged operations under Cricket Victoria – a major proposal that created plenty of discussion in the Australian game last week. There was concern that one of the two clubs would be forced to close – or even rebrand substantially, as part of an overarching restructuring process associated with plans for BBL privatisation.
While state cricket associations recently reached a principle agreement on a hybrid ownership model that would allow individual states to accept or sell stakes in their BBL teams, the proposal is still some way off becoming reality. Above all of that, the biggest challenge will be gaining Australian Cricketers’ Association (ACA) support as it is against the current framework, and is asking for changes to payment structures for players.
The protracted nature of the timetable means that, ahead of the 2026-27 season, plans for a new Melbourne franchise under alternate branding will be scrapped, Cricket Victoria has confirmed. The Melbourne Stars will play under the BBL and Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) brand name, with the Renegades continuing to operate under an interim governance deal.
Cricket Victoria had sought to trademark a number of potential names, including Rangers, Blazers and Magic, earlier this year as speculation about a rebrand at some stage continued. Such plans have now been shelved pending further clarity over the ownership of the league.
While pay will be a major issue when Cricket Australia and the ACA negotiate. As overseas stars are being offered ever-increasing sums, there has been pressure from domestic players to also see improvements in the current revenue-sharing model and increases in salary caps.
While some states remain hopeful an agreement could be reached in the next couple of months, other state associations are not so convinced the process will be a quick one. The talks are anticipated to carry into the new year, when teams are in buy/sell mode for valuations later in 2026.
Fans of both Melbourne franchises will at least be able to look forward to another season as the Stars and Renegades will remain separate clubs in the Big Bash League for now.
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