Breaking: Stars and Renegades to merge into solo Victorian BBL franchise

The Melbourne Stars and Melbourne Renegades are no more.

Cricket Victoria staff were informed on Tuesday afternoon that the two franchises will merge to create a super Victorian franchise.

Though this new club won't be called Victoria (due to Cricket Australia's BBL rules), it will play at the MCG and almost certainly wear navy blue.

The official name will be 'Melbourne', with the nickname still being worked through.

Cricket Victoria has committed to selling its second license entirely.

The exact timing of the sale process is largely out of Cricket Victoria's hands.

The sense from sources familiar with high level discussions is that the second Victorian franchise will be sold as soon as possible. It is unclear what would happen if the CA process falls down and they can't sell it.

While it's unclear exactly what happens with uncontracted players at the Stars and the Renegades, sources expect the 10 contracted players at each franchise to form the backbone of the new Melbourne team.

As of 7pm on Tuesday night (AEST), players are not being told of these developments, despite staff being informed mid-afternoon.

The players who spoke to SEN.com.au on the condition of anonymity were stunned and frustrated that they had not been notified at the same time as Cricket Victoria staff.

It remains to be seen what this new arrangement means for the future of cricket at Marvel Stadium, GMHBA Stadium and the Junction Oval.

There's a significant meeting in Melbourne on June 15 which will thrash out the next stages for Cricket Australia's privatisation plans.

James Rosengarten, who was the GM of the Renegades, will be the new GM of the Melbourne team.