Big Bash club parts ways with maligned cricket venue after 15-year association

The Melbourne Renegades have ended their 15-year association with Marvel Stadium, relocating their marquee fixtures to the MCG for next summer’s Big Bash League.

On Friday morning, the Renegades confirmed they would play no BBL matches at Docklands during the 2026/27 season, with the MCG to instead become the Melbourne-based franchise’s primary home ground.

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“Cricket at the MCG is synonymous with summer in Melbourne and we’re excited to bring Renegades home matches to one of the world’s great sporting venues,” Renegades General Manager Max Abbott said.

“Last season’s Melbourne Derby attracted more than 68,000 fans to the MCG and we’re excited by the opportunity to create more occasions like that for fans, albeit with the ground turned red.

“While this is the beginning of a new era, I also want to acknowledge and thank everyone at Marvel Stadium. The venue has been a huge part of the Renegades’ DNA, providing our home for the past 15 years and hosting so many memorable moments. It’s a world-class venue and will always hold a special place in the club’s journey.”

Both Melbourne derbies will be played at the Yarra Park venue next summer, with the full fixture list of the 16th edition of the BBL to be announced in the coming days. It’s understood the Renegades will also host matches at Junction Oval, which recently had floodlights installed, while no games will be played at Geelong’s Kardinia Park.

“The MCG is one of the most iconic sporting venues in the world and every player loves the chance to walk out there,” Renegades captain Will Sutherland said in a statement.

“The atmosphere for last season’s derby was incredible and showed what Big Bash cricket can look like at the MCG. Knowing we’ll have more opportunities to play in front of big crowds and create those moments with our fans is something the whole playing group is really looking forward to.”

The Renegades will be run independently away from Cricket Victoria next season, with the state body hoping to sell 100 per cent stake in the franchise to private investors. However, CV has yet to receive the green light amid the ongoing BBL privatisation saga.

“We know it’s been a challenging off-season for our supporters, but I know the players can’t wait to pull on the red shirt and get out there in front our fans,” Sutherland added.

Marvel Stadium, a multipurpose venue owned and managed by the AFL, hosted the Renegades’ lone BBL triumph in 2019, but has copped plenty of backlash over the last couple of years for its poor outfield.

“Marvel Stadium has been the home of the Melbourne Renegades for the past 15 years, and we thank the club for the wonderful partnership which has been littered with many incredible moments, including their BBL|08 Championship,” Marvel Stadium general manager Scott Fitzgerald said in a statement.

“We’re pleased that our partnership will continue with our AFL and Stadium Members having access to Renegades and Stars matches at the MCG next season.

“The Renegades have played an important role in the Marvel Stadium’s evolution as a 365-day venue, and we wish the club every success.”

Melbourne Cricket Club CEO Stuart Fox added: “The 2026/27 summer of cricket at the MCG will be bigger than ever before as we welcome the Melbourne Renegades to the beating heart of our city.

“The BBL is a fundamental part of our cricket schedule during the summer months. We look forward to supporting the Renegades across their marquee fixtures and providing fans with more opportunities to enjoy cricket matches at the MCG.”

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