But that doesn't mean the all-conquering Big Bash League outfit is rorting the $1.05m salary cap limit, as the Hurricanes keeper controversially suggested this week.
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Sportal contacted a number of player managers and agents in arriving at a relatively modest figure of approximately $1.2m for a squad containing T20 superstars Lasith Malinga, Glenn 'The Big Show' Maxwell, Cameron White and big-hitting Pom Luke Wright.
That figure drops under the cap figure, on a pro-rata basis, as players are called away from the BBL to play for their countries.
The general consensus is the Stars management offer relatively small playing contacts that are then topped up by third-party arrangements.
There is also the lure of playing in a strong outfit that almost guarantees a BBL top-four finish and potential entry to the cashed-up Indian Champions League.
Players from the Sydney Sixers still possess wide grins from the extra loot pocked from their Champions League victory in 2012.
Player-manager Andrew Fraser, who looks after the likes of top T20 performers Mitchell Starc and Stephen O'Keefe, is not surprised the Stars have managed to stay on the right side of the cap cops.
He said: "Cricket Australia has stringent rules in place to ensure the salary cap is strictly adhered to.
"No doubt the Stars have a terrific squad, but they also have a very astute administration under Eddie McGuire.
"You also have to consider that players will often play for less, to be part of a successful team. If the Stars qualify for the BBL final, then the players will all benefit through qualification for the Champions League.
"That's a really big incentive, which is why the semis this week are such massive games for all four teams."
*Estimated cost of Melbourne Stars' stars
Cameron White - $130,000
Luke Wright – $100,000
John Hastings – $50,000
Lasith Malinga – $120,000
David Hussey – $115,000
Matthew Wade – $100,000
Glenn Maxwell – $140,000
Clint McKay – $60,000
James Muirhead – $30,000
Rob Quiney – $50, 000
Brad Hodge - $120,000
Marcus Stoinis – $30,000
Jackson Bird - $50,000
James Faulkner - $100,000