Melbourne Renegades quit Marvel Stadium, move to MCG from BBL 16
Synopsis
After 15 seasons at Marvel Stadium — including a BBL 8 title — the Melbourne Renegades are heading to the MCG. Starting BBL|16, they will play marquee home fixtures at cricket's most iconic Australian ground, including the Melbourne derby, marking the most significant venue shift in the club's history.
Key Takeaways
Melbourne Renegades have ended their 15-year stay at Marvel Stadium , effective from BBL|16 .
The club has signed a new agreement with the Melbourne Cricket Club to play marquee games at the MCG .
The Renegades will play 3 matches at the MCG in BBL|16 — 2 home (including the Melbourne derby ) and 1 away against the Melbourne Stars .
Remaining Melbourne home games will be held at Junction Oval ; the club also features in the BBL's Chennai fixture in December .
Geelong will host no Big Bash matches this season for the first time in five years .
Captain Will Sutherland and GM Max Abbott both welcomed the move while acknowledging Marvel Stadium's role in the club's history.
The Melbourne Renegades men's team have ended a 15-year association with Marvel Stadium, confirming a move to the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) as their new home venue from KFC BBL 16 onwards. The Big Bash League club announced the relocation on Friday, 10 July, following a fresh agreement with the Melbourne Cricket Club.
The New Arrangement
Under the new deal, the Renegades will play three matches at the MCG in BBL|16 — two as the home side, including the high-profile Melbourne derby, and one as the away team against rivals the Melbourne Stars. Their remaining home fixtures in Melbourne will be held at Junction Oval this season. The club will also feature in the league's historic Chennai fixture in December.
End of an Era at Marvel Stadium
The Renegades have called Marvel Stadium home since the BBL's inaugural season in 2011-12, a ground that witnessed their BBL 8 Championship triumph. The move also means Geelong will host no Big Bash matches this season for the first time in five years.
What the MCG Leadership Said
Melbourne Cricket Club CEO Stuart Fox welcomed the partnership, saying: '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.'
Players and Management React
Renegades captain Will Sutherland said the MCG's scale and atmosphere made the move an exciting prospect for the playing group. 'The MCG is one of the most iconic sporting venues in the world and every player loves the chance to walk out there,' Sutherland said. 'The atmosphere for last season's Derby was incredible and showed what Big Bash cricket can look like at the MCG.'
Renegades General Manager Max Abbott struck a note of gratitude toward the outgoing venue: '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.'
What This Means Going Forward
The shift to the MCG hands the Renegades access to one of the world's largest cricket stadiums, potentially boosting crowd numbers and match-day atmosphere for marquee fixtures. With the Chennai fixture adding an international dimension to their BBL|16 calendar, the club appears to be repositioning itself for a broader fan base heading into the new season.
Point of View
Which has historically fragmented fan identity in franchise cricket. The Chennai fixture, meanwhile, hints at BBL's ambitions beyond Australian shores — a subplot worth watching as the league seeks relevance in a crowded global T20 calendar.
NationPress
10 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are the Melbourne Renegades leaving Marvel Stadium?
The Melbourne Renegades have signed a new agreement with the Melbourne Cricket Club to relocate their marquee fixtures to the MCG from BBL|16 onwards, ending a 15-year association with Marvel Stadium. The club cited the MCG's iconic status and the opportunity to play in front of larger crowds as key motivations.
When does the Melbourne Renegades' move to the MCG take effect?
The move takes effect from the KFC BBL 16 season, which runs through the 2026/27 Australian summer. The Renegades will play three matches at the MCG during BBL|16.
How many games will the Renegades play at the MCG in BBL|16?
The Renegades will play three matches at the MCG in BBL|16 — two as the home team, including the Melbourne derby, and one as the away team against the Melbourne Stars.
Where will the Renegades play their other home games in Melbourne?
Beyond their MCG fixtures, the Renegades will play their remaining Melbourne home games at Junction Oval this season. They will also participate in the BBL's historic Chennai fixture in December.
What happens to Big Bash cricket in Geelong?
Geelong will not host any Big Bash matches this season for the first time in five years, as the Renegades' schedule consolidates around the MCG, Junction Oval, and the Chennai fixture.
