It’s official.
The Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Professional League-Philippines will be implementing a franchise model starting this upcoming Season Eight, MPL PH Director of Business Development head Matt Jaron announced in an online press conference on Wednesday afternoon.
Tiebreaker Times was the first to report the development.
Defending champion Blacklist International will head the eight-team field and will be joined by M2 World Champion Bren Esports, Smart Omega, Nexplay EVOS, TNC, ECHO, ONIC PH, Smart Omega Esports, and RSG PH.
“The launch of the franchise model marks a momentous chapter in MPL PH’s journey as a league,” said Jaron.
“It will provide players greater sustainability and protection – a goal that we’ve been working and striving towards forever since the inception of MPL PH. We hope that the shift will encourage more players to participate or compete for MPL PH, and boost growth within the local esports ecosystem.”
The franchise will enable a more professional and standardized management system and team operation, providing players the much-needed stability they require. This includes full protection of players’ rights and interests. The diversified revenue model will see over US$ 8,000,000 (P400-million) shared amongst franchise teams over the next three years.
The upcoming season will have a prize pool of US$ 150,000, with a revamped rulebook and tournament format. The model will set new professional standards for teams, which will enhance their respective branding and marketing operations. In addition to the franchise model launch, MPL PH will be setting up a local office in the country, which will be operational by the end of 2021.
The league will also be launching the development tournament (MDL) from Season 9, which will enable community teams to join and participate.
The MPL Philippines Season Eight is set to raise its curtains on August 13.
