Melbourne Stars: Big Bash League Franchise History and Profile

The Melbourne Stars are one of the eight franchises that entered the Big Bash League when it began in the 2011-12 season. Based in Melbourne, they play at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, one of the largest cricket stadiums in the world, and wear green.

Foundation and identity

Melbourne has two BBL clubs. The Stars, who are aligned with the Victorian state set-up, were created in 2011 alongside the Melbourne Renegades. The club’s identity centres on the MCG, where it draws large crowds.

Home ground

The MCG, with a capacity of around 100,000, is the traditional home of Australian sport and hosts the famous Boxing Day Test. For Stars matches, the stadium is only partly filled, but derby fixtures and high-profile games have attracted big crowds. The ground’s large boundaries and pitch character can make scoring more demanding than at smaller venues.

Record and finals

The Stars have been one of the more consistent sides in the BBL’s regular seasons and have reached the final, including in 2015-16, when they lost to the Sydney Thunder. As of 2024, they have not won the men’s BBL title, which remains the club’s biggest ambition.

Women’s team

The Stars have taken part in the Women’s Big Bash League since its first season in 2015-16. The women’s side shares the club’s branding and has played at several Melbourne venues.

Rivalry

The Melbourne Derby against the Renegades is one of the competition’s key fixtures, drawing a mix of rival supporters and often producing close contests.

This profile does not cover current squads, coaches or standings, which change from season to season.