Brown, 30, burst onto the scene as a mature-age prospect for the Heat over the past two seasons after dominating Brisbane grade cricket and making a huge impact helping the Heat reach two finals and a title last season. It is understood that the initial two-year deal will come with an option for a further two.
Renegades general manager James Rosengarten said the struggling Melbourne franchise was thrilled to have Brown as part of a new-look squad next season.
“We are very excited to have Josh join our team,” said Rosengarten. “We have identified a clear role for Josh in our batting order which will have a new look this year.
“Josh has a good balance of aggression and poise, which we all witnessed in the recent BBL Finals series. We have been watching Josh for a while so his strong season and BBL Finals series is no surprise.”
The Brisbane Heat admitted they were disappointed to lose Brown, believing he was a strong contributor.
“We have made Josh and his management a two-year contract offer which is very lucrative and a significant step up,” new Queensland Cricket general manager Joe Dawes said. “However, while we understand the lure of a four-year commitment as a player, we believe our offer is very competitive and fair.
“Our fans will be rightly disappointed that he will no longer be with us, and as a club, we will be saddened to lose Josh, no doubt.”
“I enjoyed my time with the Heat, the opportunity they gave me, for which I will always be grateful and have precious memories, including winning the BBL Championship last season,” he said. “But I am excited for the new challenge and hope to achieve the same success with Renegades.
“It's a young group with a lot of talent and firepower, especially in that batting group. I can't wait to partner with the likes of Jake Fraser-McGurk and Will Sutherland and see what we can do.”