Along with three-time champion Perth Scorchers, the two Melbourne franchises look the strongest outfits going into this edition of the BBL.
There was a lot of quality drain during the summer, and despite impressive acquisitions, the squad still have a tough ask in the coming season.
Sydney Sixers had won the inaugural edition of the BBL, in 2011-12, and had come runners-up in 2014-15 and 2016-17.
There’s been a lot of change behind the scenes for Perth Scorchers in the off-season, and they will hope that can propel them off the bottom of the table.
Melbourne Stars have made it to the semi-finals in seven BBL editions, but have reached the final only twice and have lost on both occasions, in 2015-16 and in 2018-19.
Melbourne Renegades have played only BBL final, but they won it, that too in 2018-19.
The Hurricanes had topped the league stage of last season's BBL, that too with a 4-point lead. They then lost the semi-final by 6 wickets.
Brisbane Heat had won the second edition of the BBL, in 2012-13. However, since then they have made it to the top four only once, in 2016-17.
After finishing the previous season at a lowly 7th, Adelaide are itching to bounce back, despite losing big players in Colin Ingram and Ben Laughlin.