Cricket Victoria plans to merge the Stars and Renegades into one 'Melbourne' team and sell its second BBL licence to a private investor.
The shake-up is subject to approval of Cricket Australia's plans to allow a phased sale of stakes in BBL clubs by state associations.
Cricket Victoria (CV) staff were told of the move on Tuesday afternoon but the state body, when contacted by AAP, had no public comment to make.
The new team is reportedly set to be called 'Melbourne' and will wear navy blue, while the nickname 'Bushrangers' has previously been floated.
That would be a throwback to the nickname Victoria previously used in state-based men's competitions.
It remains unclear whether the Stars and Renegades will compete in the 2026-27 BBL season, though Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg said in April it would be business as usual for the coming campaign.
