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International video game publisher, MOONTON Games, announced that the National Basketball Association (NBA) will join forces with the M7 World Championship (M7), the seventh edition of the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) Esports flagship tournament. Driven by the “Game Recognizes Game” philosophy, the first-of-its-kind collaboration reflects the shared competitive spirit and fan-driven culture that define both ecosystems.
Tiger Xu, Global Head of MLBB Esports at MOONTON Games, said: “Partnering with one of the world’s most established sports institutions underscores how esports is becoming an integral part of the wider sporting conversation. Like traditional sports, esports thrives on competition, skill, and the passion of its fans. This collaboration will create new opportunities to connect our audiences, athletes, and competitive communities. We’re excited to show the world how gaming can connect people on a global scale, and for fans from both worlds to experience what we’ve built together.”
A milestone in MOONTON Games’ global maturity
The partnership with the NBA marks a significant step forward for MOONTON Games as it continues to expand its global entertainment footprint. As esports increasingly sits alongside traditional sports in cultural relevance, collaborations of this scale highlight how far competitive mobile gaming has evolved.
For MOONTON Games, being recognised by a global sporting institution is a testament to the company’s growing influence, the strength of its community ecosystem, and the maturity of its publishing capabilities. It reflects esports’ rising legitimacy as a global sport in its own right, fuelled by competition, storytelling, and fandom at a scale once reserved only for traditional sporting leagues.
More details on the collaboration will be revealed at a later date.
M7 Press Conference: Indonesia steps onto the global stage
The announcement follows major developments unveiled at the M7 Press Conference. Returning to Indonesia, the game’s most passionate fanbase, M7 will showcase the nation’s cultural identity through 2024’s most-watched mobile esports title globally, according to Esports Charts.
For the first time in M Series history, MOONTON Games unveiled a full Opening Ceremony, scheduled for 9 January, inspired by the grandeur and theatricality of major global sporting events. The ceremony will celebrate the game and the nation by blending the passion of MLBB Esports with Indonesia’s rich cultural heritage. Through a cinematic story where tradition meets modernity, audiences will journey through Jakarta’s iconic landmarks in a showcase that unites culture and esports.
The press conference also revealed the official tournament draw and the road ahead for the 22 competing teams, who will battle from 3 to 25 January for their share of the USD 1,000,000 prize pool. From 1 to 25 January, fans can also join the MLBB action through the M7 Pass. Players can unlock a suite of exclusive in-game rewards, including the free Gatotkaca “Solar Spark” skin. Inspired by the Indonesian folklore warrior, the Mighty Legend takes centre stage, embodying the nation’s esports spirit as it ushers in the M7.
The M7 partnership announcement comes during a landmark year for MOONTON Games. MLBB had been named by numerous awards as the world’s most popular mobile esports title in 2024—including The Esports Awards, the Mobies, and the GamingonPhone Awards. This year, it has continued to dominate the esports landscape, emerging as the most-watched title in Esports World Cup (EWC) history. The game has also earned a nomination at the prestigious Game Awards 2025 for “Best Esports Game” for the second year running, standing out as the only mobile title nominated.
From 23 to 25 January, the M7 Carnival will transform Jakarta into a gaming and esports fanfare. Festival-goers can explore six interactive zones and step inside MLBB’s first official pop-up store, offering limited-edition merchandise and immersive experiences that bring the game to life. Over three days, over 15,000 prizes—including exclusive M7 merchandise, limited-time skins, and partner giveaways—will be up for grabs. Fans will also have the chance to meet MPL Indonesia stars, M7 teams, and popular content creators, celebrating the passion that makes MLBB Esports a global phenomenon. Tickets can be purchased at: https://id-mpl.com/m7.
Looking ahead, MLBB will take its place alongside traditional sporting disciplines at the 33rd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Bangkok, Thailand. The title will also feature at the upcoming 2026 Asian Games as a medalled event, cementing its presence on some of the region’s largest multi-sport stages.
Learn more about MLBB Esports via the following social media channels:
