Saudi Arabian esports organisations Twisted Minds and Team Falcons have announced they will join Mobile Legends: Bang Bang’s MPL Philippines.
The teams will take the two available franchise slots — which were made available following the departure of Blacklist International and RSG — ahead of the franchised league’s 15th season.
Financial details surrounding the acquisition of the franchise slots were not disclosed.
For Team Falcons, it marks a short absence away from Mobile Legends: Bang Bang. On January 21st, 2025, the organisation ended its partnership with Southeast Asian organisation AP.Bren. The two teams competed in MPL Philippines Season 12 and 13 under the Falcons AP.Bren moniker.
Entering MPL Philippines marks an expansion of Twisted Mind’s presence within Mobile Legends: Bang Bang. Since 2023, the organisation has competed in the MENA region, most recently winning MPL MENA Season 6.
MPL Philippines is one of two MLBB leagues to adopt a franchising model, the other of which is MPL Indonesia. Teams competing in the league earn their place through organisations purchasing a slot to field a roster.
With Team Falcons and Twisted Minds in MPL Philippines, eight teams will compete in the MPL Philippines’ 15th season. In addition to the new teams, AP.Bren, Aurora Gaming, Omega Esports, ONIC Philippines, TNC Pro Team and Team Liquid PH compete in the league.
Whilst not as popular as MPL Indonesia, MPL Philippines is one of Mobile Legends: Bang Bang’s most-watched esports leagues. Its 14th season recorded 1.6m peak viewers marking a substantial increase from previous seasons.
2025 is set to be another strong year for the mobile MOBA title. The Esports World Cup will host the Mid-Season Cup and the Women’s Invitational for a second consecutive year while ESL FACEIT Group continues to operate events as part of its Snapdragon Pro Series.
Season 15 of MPL Philippines is set to begin in March and will run until June. Details on the format and prize pool have yet to be announced.
