In 2023, ML: BB Developer, Moontoon will launch a development league, also assumed to be a grassroots league. Now, the MDL has an official Facebook page with the post “Abangan ang pagdating ng lakas ngayong 2023.” 2023 is off to a great start as the 11th season of the regional Mobile Legends Professional League (MPL PH) and the inaugural season of the Mobile Legends Development League (MDL PH) both start this month.
The Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Professional League, which is currently held every two years, is the game’s official professional league. The MDL (MLBB) is the official amateur tournament league of Mobile Legends: Bang Bang. Aspiring rookies from different esports organizations can compete in this league to hone their abilities and demonstrate why they should be promoted to the professional league.
When will the MDL Start?
On February 15th, the first season of the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Development League Philippines (MDL PH) will begin. Eight franchise teams and two invited amateur teams will compete for the championship in the tournament’s online match format. The MDL PH Season 1 will begin with the regular season, during which teams compete for a playoff spot. Moonton has released the match schedules for the development league’s first stage.
MDL PH Season 1 Details
Team List
- Blacklist Academy (BLCK)
- ECHO Proud
- Omega Neos (OMGN)
- ONIC Arsenals
- NXPE Tiger Cubs
- BREN Euphoria Esports (BREU)
- TNC Neo
- RSG Ignite
- ZOL Esports
- Gamelab (GLAB)
What is the MDL’s purpose?
Moonton’s MPL and the league function similarly. However, this league is specifically for players who want to get better, whether they are professionals or amateurs. Talented players are developed and polished in the MDL to get them ready for the professional league.
One of the largest MDL esports scenes is in Indonesia. Although it’s not as well-known as the MPL, it has a development division that features a wide range of talented professional players, some of whom are moved up to the pro league where they can showcase their skills.
“I think 2022 was a good start, in terms of building momentum. We tried a lot of new things. In 2023, what we want is to take it to the next level. How to improve our operations, interface with the game more, give our stakeholders a better experience.”
-Tonyo Silva, Moontoon Philippines’ Senior eSports Marketing Manager
Silva believes that esports will no longer be an emerging industry and will instead become a mainstay by the year 2023 with roughly 30 million users in the Philippines alone. He sees the eSports industry in the Philippines as a long-term. One of the campaigns is to have a stronger female presence by giving more opportunities to women who want to take part or are interested in the world of gaming.
“It was also the intention of the logistics and production department to involve women more in casting and hosting. This year, you’ll see more female casters, especially with the coming season.”
-Keith Medrano, Moontoon Games’ Regional Public Relations Manager
Be sure to stay tuned for more gaming updates and future updates for the MDL. Follow KJC eSports for more gaming news.
