MPL MENA, the regional Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) league covering the Middle East and North Africa, has revealed a set of updates for its upcoming Season 7. These adjustments are aimed at creating a more efficient competitive environment and align with a recently signed multi-year partnership with Saudi Arabian esports organization Twisted Minds.
Focus on Sustainability and Professionalism
In an official statement, the league emphasized that the modifications are intended to bolster both the professionalism and commercial viability of the esports scene across the MENA region. The overarching goal is to create conditions that allow participating teams to build sustainable operations within the league.
Ray Ng, who oversees the Esports Ecosystem at MOONTON Games, commented that the updated format represents a significant step toward developing a sustainable and professional environment for regional esports. According to him, these structural improvements are designed to help clubs attract long-term sponsors, assemble competitive rosters, and build deeper connections with their fanbases.
New Qualification System and Team Structure
From Season 7 onward, MPL MENA will transition to a streamlined qualification approach. A single round of qualifiers will be held in the first half of the year, establishing which teams will proceed to the main stage.
The new season will also introduce a 4+2+2 team composition format:
- Four teams will qualify based on their performance in the previous season.
- Two additional teams will receive direct invitations.
- The remaining two slots will be awarded to teams advancing through open qualifiers.
Mid-Season Cup and Regional Representation
Teams participating in Season 7 will also compete for a spot in the MLBB Mid-Season Cup, a major event taking place during the 2025 Esports World Cup in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This multi-game tournament will run in the third week of the Esports World Cup, alongside other high-profile titles like PUBG Mobile, StarCraft II, Honor of Kings, and Call of Duty: Black Ops 6.
Summary of MPL MENA Season 7 Updates
Here is an overview of the confirmed changes for the new season:
- Team Format: Introduction of a 4+2+2 structure (four top teams from last season, two invited, two from qualifiers).
- Strategic Partnerships: Twisted Minds has entered a two-year collaboration with MPL MENA, covering four seasons.
- Performance Rewards: Implementation of an annual club award, with the winning organization receiving a $10,000 (~£7,476) incentive.
Broader MLBB League Developments
The updates within MPL MENA are part of a wider effort by the MLBB competitive scene to evolve and sustain growth. For example, MPL Singapore has also modified its structure in Season 9 with a focus on long-term regional stability.
These transformations suggest a unified strategy across various leagues to elevate the professionalism of the esports ecosystem and ensure a more durable future for competitive Mobile Legends in different regions.