End of Melbourne derby as Renegades and Stars prepare to merge

The 2025/26 season may turn out to be the final chapter of the storied Melbourne Derby in the Big Bash League (BBL), as crosstown rivals Melbourne Renegades and Melbourne Stars are set to merge under a single entity sooner rather than later.

Cricket Victoria (CV) has confirmed its intention to sell its second BBL team license to a private investor once Cricket Australia (CA) formally approves privatisation within the league. Should CA fail to implement privatisation in time, the Renegades will continue to participate in the upcoming edition of the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) under caretaker management.

The merger will bring sweeping changes. Melbourne Stars’ name, logo, colour, and identity will cease to exist, with the new franchise adopting a fresh nickname and emblem. While the team will remain based at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), its new branding is expected to draw inspiration from Victoria’s quintessential navy‑blue sporting tradition.

Leadership of the merged outfit will fall to incumbent Renegades general manager James Rosengarten, ensuring continuity during the transition. Importantly, current Stars players across both the WBBL and BBL will remain contracted with the new entity until the conclusion of the 2026/27 season.

Meanwhile, Renegades will continue to operate under their existing name and identity with their current squad. If a private investor does not come on board before the 2026/27 season, caretaker management led by incumbent Stars general manager Max Abbott will oversee operations. However, this contingency will be unnecessary if Cricket Victoria successfully completes the sale of the franchise before the start of the WBBL season.

Meanwhile, Stars have not won either the WBBL or the Big Bash League despite making multiple personnel changes over the years. On the contrary, Renegades have a WBBL and a BBL title to showcase. Renegades won their BBL title in 2018/19, whereas their WBBL title came in the 2024/25 season under the leadership of Sophie Molineux.