Cricket Victoria announces merger of Melbourne Stars and Renegades into single state team, with second BBL licence to be sold to a private investor.
Melbourne BBL Merger Confirmed
Cricket Victoria (CV) announced on June 2, 2026, its intention to merge the Melbourne Stars and Melbourne Renegades into a single team under the state banner. The decision was communicated to staff on Tuesday afternoon by CV chief executive Nick Cummins.
The second BBL licence held by CV will be sold to a private investor, pending approval of Cricket Australia's plans for a phased self-determination model for state associations to sell stakes in BBL clubs.
Staffing and Leadership Changes
The merger will result in three staff redundancies, with other Renegades staff moving to the combined entity. The new club will be led by current Renegades general manager James Rosengarten.
Stars general manager Max Abbott will serve as caretaker general manager for the Renegades until the sale is finalized. If the sale does not proceed in time for the upcoming season, the second Melbourne team will continue as the Melbourne Renegades.
Playing Lists and Future Negotiations
Playing lists of the two teams will remain separate, pending negotiations with the Australian Cricketers' Association.
Background: A Difficult Decade for CV
CV has had a difficult relationship with the dual clubs since 2019, when it dismissed the independent boards and CEOs of both teams, including high-profile chairs Eddie McGuire and Jason Dunstall.
Since then, the Renegades have struggled financially and are renegotiating their venue deal. The Stars have never won a BBL title.
In related news, the Sydney Thunder confirmed former England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff as their new coach on a two-year deal, replacing Trevor Bayliss. Flintoff previously coached the England Lions and the Northern Superchargers.