MPL MY Season 17 marks a defining chapter for Malaysian esports as Mooonton Games, the Malaysia Esports Federation (MESF), and Esports Integrated (ESI) officially unveil the eight franchised teams selected under the league’s newly launched Partnership Program.
Announced on February 24, 2026 in Kuala Lumpur, the initiative sets the foundation for a long-term, sustainable structure for the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Professional League Malaysia (MPL MY), Malaysia’s largest and longest-running esports league.
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Under the new franchising model, eight organizations—ranging from homegrown powerhouses to international brands—will compete under one banner as official league partners.
All teams competing in MPL MY Season 17
- Selangor Red Giants (SRG)
- Team Vamos (VMS)
- Team Rey (TR)
- Rex Regum Qeon (RRQ)
- Bigetron MY by VIT (BTRM)
- All Combo (AC)
- Invictus Gaming (iG)
- Team Flash (TF)
These franchised teams are not merely participants for a single split; they are long-term stakeholders tasked with shaping the competitive and commercial trajectory of MPL Malaysia.
The announcement, powered by CelcomDigi, was led by Krystal Tan of Moonton Games, alongside MESF President Muhammad Naim Al Amin and ESI CEO Ahmed Faris Amir at the MSN Esports Hub.
Tan called it a pioneering move that unites local and international teams to raise competitive standards and strengthen Malaysia’s global esports standing, adding that the eight teams were chosen to support the long-term growth of Malaysian esports.
A milestone for Malaysian esports
Beyond competitive upgrades, the franchised model signals the growing maturity of Malaysia’s Mobile Legends: Bang Bang esports ecosystem. The Partnership Program introduces structural stability, enabling organizations to invest confidently in player development, infrastructure, branding, and commercial partnerships.
With eight confirmed partner teams and a long-term operational structure now in place, MPL MY Season 17 enters the year with renewed momentum. Further details about the upcoming season are expected to be announced soon.
Muhammad Naim Al Amin, President of MESF, described the initiative as a major milestone not just for MPL MY, but for Malaysia’s broader esports ambitions.
He emphasized the country’s goal of becoming a regional esports powerhouse, noting that structured, sustainable league ecosystems are essential to long-term success.
Similarly, Ahmed Faris Amir, CEO of ESI, welcomed the program as a private-sector effort that complements the Malaysian government’s push to formalize and professionalize the industry. Representing the Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS), he said franchising creates clearer career pathways for young Malaysians while raising overall industry standards.
How MPL MY compares to other franchised MLBB Leagues
MPL Malaysia joins a growing list of Mobile Legends: Bang Bang leagues that have adopted franchising to ensure long-term stability and commercial growth.
The Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Professional League Indonesia (MPL ID) transitioned into a franchised system in 2019, becoming one of the most commercially successful MLBB leagues globally, regularly filling arenas and attracting major sponsorships.
Similarly, the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Professional League Philippines (MPL PH) implemented a franchise model that has helped produce world champion organizations and sustain consistent international success.
Other regions, including the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Professional League Singapore (MPL SG), have also embraced structured, partner-based systems to stabilize their domestic ecosystems.
By formalizing its eight-team franchised lineup, MPL MY Season 17 aligns Malaysia with these established markets—signaling both competitive ambition and commercial maturity.
The new era has officially begun.
