MLBB expands franchise system to MPL Malaysia in 2026
MOONTON, the company behind Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB), has confirmed that the Mobile Legends Professional League (MPL) Malaysia will switch to a franchise system after Season 16. That means from 2026 onwards, Malaysia will join Indonesia (2019) and the Philippines (2021) as the third region to have a franchised MLBB league.
MOONTON said the new โenhanced franchise formatโ will give the local esports scene steadier growth and room to expand. The aim is to support new talent, attract bigger business prospects, and keep fans more engaged in the long run.
Critics say franchising can make it harder for brand-new teams to enter the top level, but the MLBB Development League (MDL) helps balance that, still allowing new talents to join.
Season 16, the last legacy format, is set to kick off from September 13 to October 19 with 10 teams competing for two spots in the M7 World Championship.
