MPL Malaysia ‘seriously considering’ a franchise model as part of MLBB growth strategy 

Ahead of MPL Malaysia Season 15, MOONTON Games’ Malaysia Esports Lead, Fikri Rizal Mahruddin, has teased that the league may become franchised in the future. 

Speaking at a press conference earlier in the day, Mahruddin noted that the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) league is ‘seriously considering the shift to a franchising format’ as part of MPL Malaysia’s long-term growth strategy. 

Mahruddin explained MPL Malaysia’s reasoning behind shifting to paid tickets for the regular season and what fans can expect for the upcoming season. 

MPL Malaysia is one of Mobile Legends: Bang Bang’s premier competitions. However, unlike MOONTON’s other flagship leagues—MPL Philippines (PH) and MPL Indonesia (ID)—the competition still operates under a promotion/relegation system. For example, for this year’s competition, DXSoul Esports and Ocean Blast will compete in the league after being promoted through open qualifiers and the MLBB Academy League, respectively.

This, however, looks likely to change, with MOONTON’s Malaysia Esports Lead implying that discussions on a franchise model are underway.

“Looking at MPL ID and MPL PH, they have demonstrated the value of a franchise model,” stated Mahruddin. 

“It provides more stability and financial security for teams by giving them a longer runway to secure investment and fruitful partnership, a more structured ecosystem for athletes to pursue their dreams and overall a more sustainable esports ecosystem. I think all the benefits would bring MPL Malaysia and Malaysian esports to the next level.”

MPL Indonesia and MPL Philippines shifted to a franchised model in 2019 and 2021, respectively. Since then, both leagues have broken their domestic viewership records. During the competition’s 14th season, MPL Philippines recorded 1.6m peak viewers, with MPL Indonesia topping the charts with 4m viewers. 

A lack of franchising hasn’t stopped MPL Malaysia from growing in popularity and competitiveness. The competition also recorded its highest viewership last year, generating 870,00 peak viewers in Season 14. 

Whilst Mahruddin reiterated that the plans to franchise MPL Malaysia are still being discussed, a more concrete announcement is expected ‘within the second half of the year’.

Aside from teasing a move to a franchise model, Mahruddin also discussed recent changes to MPL Season 15 that will support the league’s long-term growth. This mainly included explaining the league’s decision to charge for regular-season tickets when it was previously free to fans.

“It’s basically for us to elevate our fans’ experiences and also to elevate the infrastructure of MPL Malaysia,” explained Mahruddin.

He went on to add: “I think the response, to me, has been neutral to positive. I think this will help to educate our fans in the long term. If they want to come and watch this highly entertaining product, I think it’s something that they can invest in.”

For Season 15, tickets will be priced at 10 MYR (~£1.75), and it was revealed that tickets for the opening week have already sold out. The competition will also return to Stadium Juara, Bukit Kiara for the first time since Season 11. 

Described as the ‘best place for MPL Malaysia,’ Mahruddin highlighted that Stadium Juara provides space for brands and teams to have booths during the regular season. 

Throughout the season, MPL Malaysia will also have a variety of activations for fans in attendance. This includes a notable tie-in with its recently announced Naruto collaboration for weeks two and three. Further details, however, were not revealed. 

Interestingly, Season 15 is part of the final year of MLBB’s plan to grow esports in Malaysia, which first started in Season 7 to mature the scene and develop its competitive ecosystem. Thus, 2025 signals the end of one plan and seemingly the start of a new direction. 

The Malaysia Esports Lead said: “We are not shy about exploring and trying something new for MPL Malaysia, but with one objective and one mindset in mind. Whatever we do in MPL Malaysia, we will need to ensure that, number one, it will impact the growth of MPL Malaysia and the MLBB esports ecosystem in the long term. 

“Then, number two, we will need to ensure that whatever we do in MPL Malaysia is fair towards all parties.”

MPL Malaysia Season 15 is set to commence on April 19th as 10 teams look to secure one of two spots at this year’s Mid-Season Cup. Fans can tune in to the action live on MLBB’s official YouTube channel.