One of the most iconic names in Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) esports, Blacklist International, has announced the sale of its MPL Philippines franchise slot, marking the end of an era for one of the league’s most successful teams. The move paves the way for a new esports organization to enter the league for the 2025 season, though details on the buyer and financial specifics remain undisclosed.
Blacklist International has been a powerhouse in the MLBB competitive scene since joining MPL Philippines in 2020. The team cemented its legacy by winning three league championships (Seasons 7, 8, and 10) and claiming the M3 World Championship title in 2021. However, recent struggles saw the organization fall short in international competitions, with a third-place finish at M5 in 2023 and consecutive fourth-place finishes in MPL Philippines last year, ultimately missing out on M6 qualification.
The decision to sell its MPL slot comes as Tier One Entertainment, the parent company of Blacklist International, shifts its focus toward new business opportunities. In a statement, the organization explained:
“Though we believe in the future of the MLBB community, with a heavy heart, we bid a bittersweet farewell to the Blacklist MLBB men’s team, as the organization has decided to transfer our MPL Franchise ownership to a new organization.”
Despite stepping away, Blacklist International left the door open for a potential return, stating that they will use this break to reassess their position in the MLBB competitive scene.
MPL Philippines Season 15 is scheduled to kick off in March 2025 and will run until May. The tournament format and prize pool details have yet to be announced, but it will mark the eighth season under the franchise model, featuring eight participating teams.
Season 14 of MPL Philippines was a record-breaking success, achieving an all-time high peak viewership of 1.6 million and maintaining an average audience of 130,000 viewers. This underscores the growing popularity of MLBB esports in the region, making Blacklist’s exit a significant shift in the competitive landscape.
Blacklist International has been scaling back its esports involvement in general. In 2024, the organization disbanded its Dota 2 and Wild Rift rosters, signaling a strategic move away from multiple competitive scenes. The sale of their MPL franchise slot is yet another major step in that direction.
As fans eagerly await the announcement of Blacklist’s successor in MPL Philippines, the question remains—will this new team be able to fill the void left by one of the league’s most dominant organizations? Only time will tell.
