The Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Professional League (MPL) Malaysia will transition to an “enhanced franchise format” after its 16th season, marking the end of the current legacy structure. MOONTON Games said the new model will take cues from established US sports leagues but be tailored for Malaysia’s esports landscape.
“This move will strengthen our position as one of the nation’s leading entertainment intellectual properties and create a more sustainable ecosystem for teams, players, and partners,” said Krystal Tan, Head of Business Development for Malaysia Esports at MOONTON, “by strategically investing in long-term stability, we are opening new pathways for talent development, commercial growth, and deeper fan engagement.”
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The league also confirmed a slate of commercial partners across multiple sectors. Telecommunications company CelcomDigi will serve as Official League Presenter through Season 18, its first esports league deal. Smartphone brand Infinix has extended its partnership until Season 18, with the GT 30 Pro designated as Official Gaming Smartphone.
Yamaha will sponsor Seasons 16 and 17 as Official Motorcycle Partner, marking the manufacturer’s first global esports entry, while Grab Malaysia joins as Official Food Delivery Partner. Returning brands include rewards platform Fairrie, isotonic drink 100PLUS, skincare label CeraVe, and lifestyle brand Playaz.
Season 16 begins on 13 September at Sri Putra Hall in Bukit Jalil and will feature ten teams. However, MOONTON has not yet confirmed which organisations will hold franchise slots under the new format.
According to Esports Charts, the MPL Malaysia reached 870,000 peak concurrent viewers in 2024, and Malaysia hosted the M6 World Championship later that year. The country has Mobile Legends as part of its national education strategy, positioning the game as a strategic ally for youth development, career pathways, and the digital economy.
