As MPL Malaysia Season 15 approaches, it has been hinted that there could be a potential shift to a franchised league structure in the future.
At a press conference, Fikri Rizal Mahruddin, MOONTON Games’ Malaysia Esports Lead disclosed that the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) league is actively weighing up a move to a franchising system.
This is part of MPL’s long-term growth strategy. He also elaborated on their reasoning behind shifting to paid tickets for the regular season.
“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 Malaysia ranks among the elite tournaments in the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang circuit.
Unlike MOONTON’s other flagship leagues it continues to operate with a promotion and relegation system.
MPL Indonesia and MPL Phillippines have broken their domestic viewership records since shifting to franchised models.
MPL Phillippines record 1.6m peak viewers during its 14th season, with MPL Indonesia topping that with 4m.
MPL Malaysia’s growth plans
Mahruddin also discussed recent changes to MPL Season 15 which will support the league’s growth.
This included explaining the decision to charge for regular-season tickets when they had previously been 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.”
Season 15 tickets will be priced at 10 MYR (£1.75) and have already sold out for the opening week.
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 begins on April 19 and fans can watch the action on the MLBB’s YouTube channel.
